Laugh More, Age Less
As we age, we’re told to wear sunscreen, eat more vegetables, take vitamins, and even walk more — all in hope that our internal clocks will slow down and we will age better. But something as simple as laughter could actually be one of the easiest ways to slow the ticking clock of aging. Scientists have long known that laughter can be therapeutic and help us live longer. It has been shown to reduce wear and tear on our bodies and improve our relationships. A Norwegian study found that those who prioritized humor were more likely to live past 70 than those who didn’t laugh often. At a biological level, laughter can reduce tension in your muscles and activate a powerful stress-
relief response from your brain by releasing dopamine. Just one chuckle may even improve your breathing and heart function! In fact, laughing can work wonders for the heart. One study showed that laughter therapy helped reduce the blood pressure and cholesterol levels of its participants. Their blood circulation improved, too. Studies have also found that regular laughter can help strengthen your immune system, and it has long-term benefits for those with respiratory conditions. In addition to your body, laughter is also good for your social life. (And we don’t mean that people will want to spend time with you if you have all the good jokes!) Throughout history, laughter has been an evolutionary sign of understanding. When there are language barriers,
laughing together can create camaraderie and a tighter bond between people of different cultures. The dopamine release that comes with laughter aids in stress relief and creates powerful memories that can improve your mood and strengthen friendships. Of course, laughter has its downfalls, too. Laughing at someone else’s expense is detrimental to their health and can harm your relationships. So, stick to light jokes and actively seek shows, cartoons, or people who make you laugh. You’ll feel good, and your body will be pretty happy, too.
The Wonderfully Weird Ways That People Unwind
When it comes to de-stressing, most people have their go-to activities for preparing for a stressful day or unwinding after it’s all over. However, because each person is unique, de- stressing looks different for everyone. So, in honor of National Stress Awareness Month (in April), why not share some of the more unusual ways you can melt away your stress? Looking at Fractals A fractal is a repeating pattern made of identical or similar shapes. Examples of fractals in nature include snowflakes and flowers. Studies have found that the human brain seems to have an innate connection to fractals. In fact, looking at them can decrease your stress levels by up to 60%. So, by immersing yourself in a “fractal-rich” environment for even just 20 minutes a day, you could help yourself de-stress.
Cindy Engstrom apparently loved kung fu. “I just love punching things! It’s a huge stress relief,” she said. Setting Up Healthier Rhythms If you’re someone who lives and dies by your calendar, planner, and alarm apps, this one might make you nervous. However, setting aside a day where you turn your phone off — meaning no alarms and no appointments — has beneficial effects on your mental health. Taking time away from the jarring transitions that come with a full schedule may feel strange at first, but it’s certain to reintroduce your body to a healthier rhythm. This past year has been stressful to say the least! As things continue to return to normal, we wish you well and hope you’re able to find the de- stressing activities that uniquely work for you.
Practicing Martial Arts By “martial arts,” we don’t mean tai chi or yoga — we mean the kind you use primarily in fights with other people. Sound stressful? Well, it turns out that hitting things does wonders to lower your stress levels. Jeremy Ford, winner of Season 13 of “Top Chef,” purportedly practiced Brazilian jiujitsu, and CEO of Sircle Advertising
2
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker