Proof Why A Pat On The Back Goes A Long Way

Are you the type of person that loves to give the people around you a pat on the back for a job well done?  If you are, then you’re doing it right.
Why is it so hard for people to this simple act of kindness? Most of us appreciate a nice compliment or a pat on the back, so why are they so hard to come by?

There are managers that are very stingy with their kind words. They act as though paying a compliment is a sign of weakness.  What they should know is even a simple pat on the back will motivate employees to continue to strive for more.

You saw this in every March Madness game:  When someone missed a free throw, their teammates would reach out and high-five them anyway.  A study just found encouragement like that really can make a difference.

This is the same for all of us and not just managers. Pats on the back are motivating and uplifting tools for everyone from parents to teachers to coaches and doctors.

Researchers looked at hundreds of free-throw scenarios from women's basketball games to see if it actually helped players make their next free throw.  And it did.

They were more likely to sink their second shot if a teammate reached out for a high-five, or a pat on the back.  Their chances rose even more when MULTIPLE teammates did it.

It didn't make a huge difference when they made the first shot, only when they missed it.  Researchers think it's because touch conveys a powerful, nonverbal signal that "we're with you, even when you miss."

It definitely applies to other scenarios too. So remember it the next time your kid or someone you care about feels like they failed at something.  A pat on the back really can make a difference.

(Study Finds)

A university professor in London named Dr. Michael Bonshor, who has a PhD in music psychology (um, where can I get THAT degree?) claims to have cracked the formula to creating a happy song.

Basically, the song has to be in a major key, with 137 beats per minute, a strong beat, four beats in every bar, and a verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure is a sure-fire way to produce a happy beat.

Oh, and it has to be something you can dance to.

The scientist also came up with an original piece that has ALL the happy fixins.

It's called "The Lighter Note" and I can't say I hated it.

Now that's what I call SCIENCE.

Listen to A Lighter Note Here

As for popular songs, I'm not a "paid" scientist, but I contend if you listen to Danny Kaye's "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts" OR "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Spamalot, you cannot help but be happy.

Trust me on this.

But I'll give it to this dude. He might be on to something.

You know, we're starting off the list a little sus, IMHO. My kid listened to this song on repeat after Mamma Mia 2 came out, and I can tell you this: after hearing it for weeks on end, I was NOT happy at all.

This song usually makes me happy, unless I'm at a wedding and someone "Y's" with too much exuberance and knocks the drink out of my hand. What definitely makes me happy is this official music video. The '70s were a TIME.

At first I was like, um, this makes my DAD happy. Maybe even his Dad. But then I gave it a listen and I get it! You cannot help by be-bop your little head and smile. It's simple, there's clapping, you're picturing the beach. Try it!

OK, I've never heard this song! What is wrong with me? It's the chillest of all of the happy songs. But it's got an extremely relaxing back beat and I feel very sleepy and smiley. And I've had two medium Dunkin' coffees AND took my kid to the dentist already. Who needs an edible?? This works!

Great song. Billy Joel. Christie Brinkley. But when Bill Hader hums it during surgery in his role in "Trainwreck"? That's when you're like: this is a REALLY good song! Also, this scene always make me happy!

Again, I was skeptical. I have HEARD it so many times I thought it would just be background. But it kind of makes me want to chop off all my hair, wear a belly shirt and cargos and drink a fifth of whiskey. You know, a typical Tuesday.

This one didn't do it for me at all. I wanted to turn it down. It has a Baby Shark feel and a Teletubbies vibe. These combo does not make me happy.

Ever since James Brown sang in Rocky 4, I was a fan. But this one reminds me of Robin Williams in "Good Morning Vietnam" and Robin Williams was the human form of feeling happy, so a winner here.

Here it is folks. THE SONG GUARANTEED TO LIFT YOU OUT A CRAPPY MOOD. Dunkin' coffee cup dripping all over your car? Put this on. Kid flunking out of college? Put this on. Wife cheating? Put it on. Hey, they aren't wrong. This is a trippy, fun, jam. Have the happiest day!