Laughter is the Best Medicine: Why You Should Make More Time for Fun

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Unleash Your Inner Laughter: Reap the Health Benefits of This Simple Joy

We all know the feeling – a belly laugh that leaves you gasping for air, tears streaming down your face. But did you know that laughter isn’t just about feeling good in the moment? It’s actually a powerful tool for improving your overall health and well-being.

Research suggests that laughter can significantly impact your body in positive ways, from reducing stress hormones to boosting your immune system. Let’s delve into the science behind laughter and explore how incorporating more humor into your life can benefit you.

Stress Buster and Pain Reliever:

When life gets overwhelming, a good laugh can be the perfect antidote. Studies have shown that laughter lowers cortisol, the stress hormone [1]. Additionally, research suggests that laughter can actually elevate your pain tolerance [2]. So, next time you’re feeling stressed or achy, try watching a funny movie or hanging out with a friend who always cracks you up.

Sharpen Your Mind with a Chuckle:

Laughter isn’t just good for your mood, it’s good for your brain too! Research indicates a positive link between laughter and cognitive function [3]. Laughter has been shown to improve memory, brain development, and overall mental health.

Boost Your Body’s Defenses with a Giggle:

A hearty laugh can do wonders for your immune system. Laughter triggers the release of antibodies that help fight off infection [4]. Furthermore, by reducing stress, laughter indirectly supports a healthy immune response.

The Takeaway: Make Laughter a Priority

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget to make time for simple pleasures like laughter. However, incorporating humor into your daily routine is a powerful way to invest in your health and well-being. So, whether it’s watching your favorite stand-up comedian, spending time with a funny friend, or revisiting a hilarious movie, make laughter a priority. Your mind and body will thank you for it!

Want to learn more about the science of laughter? Check out these resources:

  1. Link to Study
  2. Link to Study
  3. Link to Study 
  4. Link to Study

Until next time, eat healthy, move, love…and LAUGH!!

 

Cut Sugar in 4 Easy Steps

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Hey boo…I have bad news….our Standard American Diet is not only “S.A.D,” but it’s also packed with sugar (simple carbs) which has a negative impact on our health. But, alas, I also have good news: lowering our sugar intake can reduce these harmful health risks, as well ADD these benefits: 

We have the power to make positive change and we can do so by taking these 4 steps to improve our health today:

Eliminate added sugars. Don’t view this as a loss. It’s not. Instead, focus on what you can eat (protein, fat, fiber, and the right kinds of carbohydrates). Make sure you get enough protein as well. You can eat fiber-rich foods and quality fats like a scrambled egg with avocado, veggies, and sausage; chia pudding with protein powder; Greek yogurt with nuts and berries or protein powder whipped in; or a  chocolate smoothie. (See recipe section for ideas.)

Pay special attention to how you feel in your mornings and don’t wait too long to eat in the morning. While many intermittent fasting (IF) plans may have you holding off on your first meal until noon, that doesn’t work for every body. Pay attention to your body and how you feel. Don’t get me wrong, there are many benefits to IF and I do it several days a week myself, but it’s NOT for everyone.

Prioritize sleep to boost results. You may have an easier time keeping sweet cravings in check and blood sugar balanced if you’re well rested, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night

Use sweeteners as desired. Consider using them in your morning coffee or tea, or stevia-sweetened beverages like Zevia (we love the grape and “Dr. Pepper” flavors).

To help with #1 above, reducing sugar in your diet, keep in mind that sneaky sources of added sugars can be found in a variety of foods, including frozen vegetables with sauces, frozen meals, salad mixes, condiments (dressing, marinade, sauces), prepared food from the grocery store hot bar, dried fruits, nut mixes, non-dairy milk, and flavored coffee and tea drinks.

We have to become label savvy! Start with the foods in your pantry along with your next trip to the grocery store. Check ingredient lists closely for added sugars & familiarize yourself with their names to avoid unintentionally raising blood sugar:

  • Glucose
  • Sucrose
  • Fructose
  • Lactose
  • Dextrose
  • Maltose
  • Malt sugar
  • Malt syrup
  • Maltodextrin
  • Corn syrup
  • Cane sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Agave nectar
  • Coconut sugar
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Brown rice syrup
  • Beet sugar
  • Molasses
  • Fruit juice concentrates
  • chronic diseases.

Once you’ve started checking labels more closely and have started to cut down on sugar intake, it shouldn’t take you more than 4-8 weeks to be feeling pretty darn good, with fewer symptoms and cravings, and greater ease in making healthy food choices. Willpower is like a muscle – it gets stronger the more you use it!

You CAN maintain this way of eating for the long haul, and…it’s also okay if to occasionally consume some of the foods eliminated. Remember, this journey is not about perfection, but consistently committing to your health.

Let’s do this together — one step at a time. I mean, what have you got to GAIN?

Until next time, live well, laugh often, hug a pet (or human) and MOVE!

Beat the Dawg Days of Summer (Anytime of the Year)

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Are you feeling the heat and dealing with low energy or brain fog on a daily basis? If so, I have a few ideas to power you up!
Make H2O your best friend. Research says even 1-2% water loss impacts mental acuity. The most impactful way to combat brain fog is to HYDRATE! If hydration isn’t optimal, the pace at which nutrients get to our cells slow down causing low energy and mental fuzzies.
Hydrate with other sources, too. While bodies and needs may vary, a good rule of thumb is half your weight in ounces of water each day. Fruits & vegetables are also mostly made up of water, so strive to get in your recommended 9-11 servings each day as well.   
Eat fat. This is one of my personal favorites. Blood sugar level can have a big impact on how our bodies function and feel during the day.  Eating poorly can cause a vicious cycle of energy and mood crashes and cravings due to refined and heavily processed carbs. An easy way to combat this is to eat fat b/c it has little impact on blood sugar. Nuts or a piece of cheese make better snack choices & they don’t require preparation.
Take standing breaks. We are such a sedentary society! Seriously, sitting is the new “smoking” due to the health detriment it causes. Our bodies were meant to MOVE. Make a point to stand up for 10 minutes several times a day to increase blood pressure and get blood/O2 flowing. 
Move (& move outside). One of the simplest cure-alls around, is exercising to give you a boost. Plus, if you take it outside, Vitamin D is the sun itself. Morning or during lunch will energize you. Just 20 minutes will supply your daily need of Vitamin D. I recently started wearing a Garmin Vivofit & I have to tell you, there are days my butt doesn’t leave the office chair! But, seeing the “red line” encourages me to take a few laps around the atrium if I can’t get outside at lunch.
Embrace the power of the nap. It’s no secret that a lot of folks struggle with enough quality sleep. A nap can be a great way to offer respite to all that’s overtaxed and reinvigorate your energy. If your workday doesn’t allow the opportunity, try to take time for a legit break by reading a book, going for a short stroll or talking to a friend.
Assessing your sleep routine can also be a great starting point and long-term strategy to help improve your health. Think and assess your actual bedroom. Is there too much blue light at night? How is the comfort of your bed? Do you have a normal bedtime? Figure out what is optimal for you and make it a priority.
Along those lines, limit evening technology. Artificial light via computer monitors, TVs and phones increases stress hormones. #fact Implement a “no phone” rule before bed. You’ll be more relaxed and fall asleep sooner.
Try essential oils. There’s a reason that people have regularly used essential oils for purposes of health and well-being. Try inhaling peppermint to reduce burnout. It is pleasant smell to breathe in, but you can also try applying it to the back of your neck and shoulders to help support your energy over a longer stretch of time. Try peppermint vs drinking coffee.
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Meditate. Today’s craziness of multi-tasking, long hours, and too-full agendas can leave us tired & gaining weight. Even thinking about managing stress can seem like a big task in and itself. Studies show, however, that simply taking a few seconds to breathe and close your eyes can lower cortisol. There are a lot of neat apps out there now to help with just that. Try a few and make it a practice to take 5 at least once a day.
Try a few of these ideas and let me know how they work for you. 
As my friend Sharon used to say, “What have you got to GAIN?”  Until next time, choose fit, live STRONG, and breathe. 
Lisa