Relieve stress, boost self-esteem, and increase focus through a simple body music practice. And do it with a friend to feel more compassion and a hit of oxytocin.

Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yc8aer74

How to Do This Practice:

Try using these movements to create various rhythmic combinations with your body:

One: Clap your hands, slightly cupping with each clapping instead of hitting your full palms together.

Two: Tap your right hand to your left chest.

Three: Tap your left hand to tap your right chest.

Four: Tap your right thigh with your right hand.

Five: Tap your left thigh with your left hand. Then loop back to the top.

Today’s Happiness Break host:

Keith Terry is a percussionist and body musician who uses a variety of surfaces to create interesting rhythms.

Learn more about Keith Terry: https://tinyurl.com/5av66v5f

Watch Keith Terry in action: https://tinyurl.com/299vuw4a

More resources from The Greater Good Science Center:

The Science of Synchronized Movement (The Science of Happiness Podcast): https://tinyurl.com/mrys53k4

Five Ways Music Can Make You Healthier: https://tinyurl.com/4ckbtc2e

How Music Helps Us Be More Creative: https://tinyurl.com/4mj6vs44

Wired for Music: https://tinyurl.com/ye2xkjxz

Four Ways Music Strengthens Social Bonds: https://tinyurl.com/y257y25p

How was your experience creating body music? Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.

Find us on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2cyp46rp

Help us share Happiness Break! Rate us and copy and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2cyp46rp

We’re living through a mental health crisis. Between the stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, burnout — we all could use a break to feel better. That’s where Happiness Break comes in. In each biweekly podcast episode, instructors guide you through research-backed practices and meditations that you can do in real-time. These relaxing and uplifting practices have been shown in a lab to help you cultivate calm, compassion, connection, mindfulness, and more — what the latest science says will directly support your well-being. All in less than ten minutes. A little break in your day.