Why we should be displaying more to boost our mood

A leading psychologist reveals how photos in our homes can positively boost our happiness, and now is the perfect time to embrace the positivity of photos in the home. Recent research shows the positive benefits of looking through photos has on our mood and wellbeing. Supporting this a leading behavioural psychologist, explains that we should pause to look back on our photos to boost happiness and lower stress levels. A task that could help every household right now. The research carried out by CEWE revealed looking through photos made 64 per cent feel nostalgic; 56 per cent happy and 30 per cent relaxed. The same research however shows only 41 per cent of Brits look back on their photos only a few times a year or less – despite the positive effects. Could now be the time to change that? It’s never been easier to take a photo or post one on social media – they are the visual language of our lives. But, because of that ease, we often forget to look back at our carefully curated photos, and that means we are missing out on all the joy that they can bring. Research has shown that having ‘real’ photos in our home, provides regular psychological positive reinforcement by reminding us of ‘social bond enhancement’ – essentially what and who is important to us! Photos remind us of people, pets, places and activities that we love as well as remembering the past. This has been shown to reduce our stress and enhance our mood and overall wellbeing. All the more reason to fill our homes with photos. For a quick fix why not swap out some of your current frames to fill them with photos specifically of those you miss dearly right now.