I read a quote in a book a couple of weeks ago: “Calm is contagious.” I love this because we so often focus on the opposite.

Everyone feels it viscerally when someone is in an angry or overall negative mood. We can see it spread and usually try our best to avoid the contagion. There’s no ignoring the way it infects you after an encounter with someone in this state.

But calmness works the same way. It’s just so much less noticeable than its opposite.

After a brief conversation with someone who seems so happy and relaxed, your mood is elevated. And you’re likely spreading that vibe to those you speak to next.

It’s hard to stay positive and calm in a lot of situations. But if you put effort into focusing on this throughout your day, the other situations might be avoided altogether.