What Could You Do for Your Health Without Spending Money?
What if you had more joy, less stress and there is a way that would have a huge impact on your mental and physical health that you could do without spending any money – and have fun doing it? Would you be interested?
Here are a few hints:
- You can do it alone, but it is definitely more fun doing it with others.
- It’s not usually done in our culture.
- It’s something we used to do as a kid but probably don’t do it much now.
Any guesses?
Its Laughter IS The Best Medicine!!
Decades of research on laughter have shown numerous benefits, including:
- Reduction of stress hormones
- Improved immune function
- Reduction of pain
- Decreased depression and anxiety
- Improved cardiovascular health
“Health is a large word. It embraces not the body only, but the mind and spirit as well; and not today’s pain or pleasure alone, but the whole being and outlook of a man.” ~ James H. West”
I believe that laughter is right up there with sleep, exercise, and other forms of stress management as one of the most effective ways we can improve our health and extend our life. One example that comes to mind is Norman Cousins book Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived By the Patient: Reflections on Healing and Regeneration. Cousins’s influential work
declares that the human mind is capable of promoting the body’s capacity for combating illness and healing itself even when faced with a seemingly hopeless medical challenge. He tells of his personal experiences while working closely with his doctor to overcome a crippling and supposedly irreversible disease. He divulges the lifesaving and ultimately life-prolonging benefits to be gained by taking responsibility for one’s own well-being. Check out Cousins’s story. It is inspirational reading for anyone contending with a serious illness.
If you don’t think your anxiety, depression, sadness, and stress impact your physical health, think again. All of these emotions trigger chemical reactions in your body, which can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system.… Click To Tweet
Laughter Yoga
According to a 2018 Gallup State of Global Emotions Report, we need it now more than ever. It showed that people across the globe are angrier, sadder, and more fearful than ever before. But the report found that 70% of people worldwide experienced a lot of enjoyment, smiled or laughed a lot, felt well-rested, and felt treated with respect.
There are lots of ways to work in more laughter is the best medicine: watching a funny movie, spending time with kids and friends who make you laugh, and playing with pets is a great advantage.
Therefore, I’ve recently added something else to that list of health benefits in my own life: laughter yoga!
I have to admit it is a little uncomfortable at first. So, try for 10 minutes a day, and it is especially effective when things are tense, and I find myself on a constant “high” trying to accomplish my wonder woman achievements.
Hopefully, this brings more laughter to your life!
Sufficient sleep, exercise, healthy food, friendship, and peace of mind are necessities, not luxuries.” ~ Mark Halperin Click To Tweet
Go ahead and give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Take note of how you’re feeling. Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel more relaxed? That’s the natural wonder of laughing.
I have made some amazing discoveries about my own health issues that have changed my life, and I know it could make a difference to yours too!
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I am Shirley Noah, an internationally known stress expert and entrepreneur. I would love to connect further with you to help you improve your health and wellbeing. If you are interested in learning more about using a worry journal, please take a look at my popular 8 days, FREE E-course, Worry Journal.
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