Boost Your Mood W HARNESS THE INFECTIOUS PO
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Knock, knock! Who’s there? Noah. Noah who? Noah-body — April Fools!
It is no coincidence that April begins with April Fools’ Day and is officially National Humor Month. Humor is one language that everyone can understand, and we use it to communicate and connect with others. If you can laugh with someone, you’ve connected with that person, and their defenses come down. As human beings, we love to laugh because it brings happiness and joy to our lives, and it affects not only us but also those around us. Laughter is contagious, and repeatedly, one person’s laughter provokes another’s laughter. Humans are wired to mirror each other; the brain responds to the sound of laughter by priming facial muscles to join in, laying the groundwork for spreading smiles.
Life isn’t easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self- care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into your everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure. Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, self-care is about you! Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some “you time.” If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key. Developing a Self-Care Routine Find More ‘You’ Time
Did you know that when you smile, your brain releases tiny stress-fighting molecules called neuropeptides? Then, other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins come into effect. Endorphins act as a mild pain reliever, while serotonin is an antidepressant. It has a positive effect on our bodies; it relaxes our muscles, increases our blood flow, and boosts our
Does your office turn away calls about “long-term disability insurance” claim denials because you don’t handle administrative appeals or “ERISA litigation” in federal court? We want to hear from you! We happily share fees on referred ERISA long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death insurance denial cases. Send us an email at BriefRecess@jpricemcnamara.com or call (225) 201-8311 to start the referral process! WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS!
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