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Blue Monday: The unhappiest day of the year???
When I woke up this morning and put the news on, the headline is that officially today Monday 17th January 2011 is the gloomiest day of the year! Apparently scientists have been able to pinpoint the exact day based on a formula that they devised. It takes into account the weather, the level of debt after Christmas spending amongst other factors.
If you are feeling remotely gloomy today, then at least you are not alone! However......you can do something about it. First, they say that smiling, even if it is fake smiling releases happy chemicals throughout the body. Secondly, try fake laughing or put on a YOU TUBE channel that shows some laughter yoga. The fact that you are tricking your body into fake laughter will seem so absurd that very soon you will be genuinely laughing at the silliness of it all. Make up all kinds of ridiculous laughter sounds, like the mad professor taking over the world, the quiet to loud laughter that starts off as a whisper ha-ha-ha and builds up to a very loud ho-ho-ho! Am I being serious, absolutely. I teach Laughter Yoga and have seen first hand the difference laughter can make to people feeling blue.
Health Benefits of Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga has wonderful therapeutic and preventative health benefits. Scientists and medical doctors alike are amazed at what happens when we laugh.
When we laugh
• We Take in more oxygen helping to keep us healthy by nourishing the cells.
• it Increase circulation – giving us rosy cheeks and making us look younger!
• it Gives the tummy an abdominal workout and helps digestion.
• it Boosts the immune system which fights disease by up to 40% .
• it Reduces high blood pressure. After a laughter yoga session the blood pressure comes down to a lower resting rate.
• The Stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol are reduced so we feel more relaxed
• Happy hormones, endorphins are released removing the negative effects of stress
• Endorphins (meaning self made morphine) can act as a pain killer and laughter can be used as a pain management tool
• Gives a sense of lightness and well being
• Help with depression and anxiety by boosting the production of serotonin (a natural antidepressant)
When we laugh
• We Take in more oxygen helping to keep us healthy by nourishing the cells.
• it Increase circulation – giving us rosy cheeks and making us look younger!
• it Gives the tummy an abdominal workout and helps digestion.
• it Boosts the immune system which fights disease by up to 40% .
• it Reduces high blood pressure. After a laughter yoga session the blood pressure comes down to a lower resting rate.
• The Stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol are reduced so we feel more relaxed
• Happy hormones, endorphins are released removing the negative effects of stress
• Endorphins (meaning self made morphine) can act as a pain killer and laughter can be used as a pain management tool
• Gives a sense of lightness and well being
• Help with depression and anxiety by boosting the production of serotonin (a natural antidepressant)
Do you need any more reasons??!! Laughter is good for you physically, mentally and spiritually, it lifts you up and makes you feel connected to people.
Some Health Benefits of Laughter
L aughter releases endorphins, giving us the feel good factor
A cts as aerobic exercise and is like "internal jogging"
U nleashes inhibitions, breaks down barriers
G reat team building tool encourages better communication
H elps boost our immune system which helps us resist disease
T ones muscles, improves respiration and circulation
E ncourages positive thinking and creativity
R elaxes the whole body by reducing stress and tension
So as you can see, laughter is the best medicine on days when you are feeling slightly blue! You can also enjoy the benefits of a small bar of dark chocolate, treating yourself to a pampering treatment or simply taking some time out to read a book or watch a film. My favourite thing to do on a gloomy day is to count my blessings. I write a list of all the people I am glad to have in my life, I make a list of all the things I am grateful for, I list all the things I appreciate about myself and others. Before I know it, I have created a long list of reasons why life isn't so gloomy after all.
Enjoy this fine Monday and may you have many reasons to smile.
Love and Blessings,
Jean Fisher-Taylor x
P.S. I am leaving you with the lyrics to bring me sunshine, I hope they make you smile!
Bring me sunshine in your smile bring me laughter all a while
In this world where we live there should be more happiness
So much joy you can give to each brand new bright tomorrow
Make me happy through the years never bring me any tears
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love
Bring me sunshine in your eyes bring me rainbows from the clear blue skies
Life's too short to be spent having anything but fun
We can be so content if we gather little sunbeams
Be light hearted darlin' all day long keep me singing a happy song
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love
Bring me sunshine in your smile...
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love
In this world where we live there should be more happiness
So much joy you can give to each brand new bright tomorrow
Make me happy through the years never bring me any tears
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love
Bring me sunshine in your eyes bring me rainbows from the clear blue skies
Life's too short to be spent having anything but fun
We can be so content if we gather little sunbeams
Be light hearted darlin' all day long keep me singing a happy song
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love
Bring me sunshine in your smile...
Bring me fun bring me sunshine and bring me love
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