BARTOW, Fla., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans have been enjoying the great taste of orange juice for decades, and now research suggests they may turn to this refreshing beverage for how it makes them feel. A new study from the Florida Department of Citrus found drinking orange juice actually made participants feel positive, carefree and rejuvenated.(1)

Through a patented research process designed to reveal unconscious emotions, consumers shared their thoughts and feelings about orange juice and its role in their lives. Findings showed that while participants view their daily life as a "hard road," the simple act of drinking orange juice provides a momentary "escape" to a more positive mindset. The rejuvenating feelings they get from a glass of orange juice helps give them the energy and resolve to take on the day.

Research participants shared positive emotions about orange juice through analogies and memories. For example, one respondent likened orange juice to a "water station" in the marathon of life, while another described life as an everyday battle in which orange juice helps to "carry you through the day and help you win the war." Another participant shared, "orange juice almost makes me feel like a child again, where I was comfortable, cozy, and secure."

The link between orange juice and a more positive outlook revealed through in-depth interviews with a small group of participants was also supported by a recent survey of 1,002 adults nationwide, which showed more than half of the respondents believe drinking a glass of orange juice provides an energizing boost, while 33 percent said it is a simple way to help improve their mood. Furthermore, when American adults drink orange juice, 56 percent of those surveyed said they feel rejuvenated, followed by calm, positive, happy and alive.(2)

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a positive psychology expert and author of The How of Happiness, suggests the positive power of orange juice may do even more for people: her research shows happiness can actually lead to a more successful and fulfilled life. In fact, studies suggest happy people are more energetic and productive, have richer networks of friends, are better leaders and have stronger immune systems. Some research even reports happy people may live longer.(3)

"One key to happiness is focusing on the simple things that can improve your outlook on life," said Dr. Lyubomirsky. "No life is without stress or adversity, but by stepping back and appreciating the simple things, you can look at the bigger picture and learn to cope with obstacles. Such adjustments are small, but can have a big impact on many areas of your life."

Further research suggests that adopting this approach to life can have added benefits throughout the years. Recent studies have found that those people who focus on and savor positive thoughts on a daily basis are the most well-adjusted and mentally healthy as they age.(4)  Moreover, this positive mindset can also support a more productive and fulfilling life as those who adopt an optimistic outlook are more likely to achieve their goals of growth and advancement. (5)

"Find pleasure in ordinary moments to give yourself a break and boost your mood," Dr. Lyubomirsky said. "Try taking a few minutes to appreciate the little things, even something as simple as the taste and smell of your glass of orange juice as you drink it each day."

For more information on 100 percent Florida Orange Juice and additional tips from Dr. Lyubomirsky, please visit www.Facebook.com/FloridaOrangeJuice.

About Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside. She received her A.B., summa cum laude, from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in social/personality psychology from Stanford University. Lyubomirsky currently teaches courses in social psychology and positive psychology and serves as a graduate advisor. Her teaching and mentoring of students have been recognized by a Faculty of the Year award and a Faculty Mentor of the Year award. Lyubomirsky's research on the possibility of permanently increasing happiness has been honored with a Science of Generosity grant, a John Templeton Foundation Grant, a Templeton Positive Psychology Prize and a million-dollar grant from NIMH. Lyubomirsky's book, The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want, has been translated into 20 languages. Her work has been written up in hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles, and she has appeared in multiple TV shows, radio shows and feature documentaries in North America, South America, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

About the Florida Department of Citrus

The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs nearly 76,000 people, provides an annual economic impact close to $9 billion to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida's schools, roads and health care services. For more information about the Florida Department of Citrus, please visit www.floridajuice.com.  

The Florida Department of Citrus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Agency. The Florida Department of Citrus prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  

For more information contact:
Katherine Riemer
GolinHarris
312-729-4283
kriemer@golinharris.com

SOURCE Florida Department of Citrus