Down Shift and Live Life Less Stressed
Did you know? You can reverse disease by finding a stress relieving strategy that works for you.
Studies suggest optimistic people may be happier, healthier and have a lower chance of heart problems and lung disease. This may have to do with the amount of stress hormones released by the body. Someone with a happy outlook on life may release fewer stress hormones during difficult times.
Residents living in the original Blue Zones areas share common lifestyle habits called Power 9® — helping them live longer, healthier, happier lives. Downshifting, whether through a nap, meditation, prayer or a happy hour with friends, is one of them.
A Good Laugh Goes a Long Way!
An emerging field known as humor therapy is helping people relieve stress and heal more quickly. Our on-the-go society means that many of us experience a certain amount of chaos on most days. Whatever your degree of stress, reducing it to the lowest level possible is good for your health, and humor is a great coping mechanism.
Research has found that laughter lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones and boosts immunity. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins — the body’s natural painkillers — and produces a general sense of well-being. In fact, hospitals nationwide are building formal and informal laughter therapy into their treatment programs.
Humor is a universal language. The domino effect of a good laugh is more contagious than a sniffle, a cough or a sneeze. A shared laugh connects people and gives them a sense of joy and closeness.
According to laughter therapist and author of “We Need to Laugh More,” Enda Junkins said, “Anyone can join the laughter movement. All it takes is a willingness to risk some loss of control. The timid may start with a few shy giggles. The courageous may jump in with deep belly laughter. A sense of humor is not required.”
So the next time stress is getting you down, remember that laughter is fun, free to all and has no known negative side effects.
Sleep Tight!
Getting plenty of sleep every night recharges your brain and keeps your immune system functioning well. Adults need around seven to nine hours of sleep per night. To meet your sleep needs, try going to bed and waking up around the same times every day. Sleep on a comfy mattress and pillows in a dark, quiet, and cool bedroom.
Q &A: Ask the Expert
Q: I feel as if I’m always racing the clock to get everything done. How do I find the time to slow down when I have so much to do?
A: Be early. Even something as simple as arriving 15 minutes early to every appointment can significantly reduce the stress that arises from driving in traffic, getting lost or underestimating the time it takes to get somewhere. Being early to an appointment will help you to slow down and focus on the meeting or event.
Blue Zones Project® – North Hawaii involves dozens of community volunteers from Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kohala, Kawaihae, Puako, and Hamakua who are dedicated to helping us all “Live Longer, Better.”
Go to hawaii.bluezonesproject.com to learn more. North Hawaii is one of only three communities in the state selected as a Blue Zones Project demonstration site. Blue Zones Project by Healthways is brought to Hawaii by HMSA. Questions? Email CarolR.Ignacio@healthways.com or call 202-4958.