5 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays

We all know that exercise is good for you! So whether you head out to the gym, on a walk or dance around your house, get moving. It boosts brainpower by increasing serotonin in the brain, which improves your mental clarity. It melts away stress and produces a relaxation response that is a positive distraction. It helps elevate your mood and keep depression at bay. Exercise gives you energy, and who doesn't need more energy!?! You don't even need a lot. 15-20 minutes per day can give you the boost you need. Exercise can also help you live longer, ward off disease and give you a stronger heart. So get out and get moving!

Did you know that singing can have some of the same effects as exercise? It can release endorphins, which lifts your spirits and is also associated with stress reduction. Singing is also an aerobic activity! When you sing you have to use deep breathing which gets more oxygen into the blood for better circulation and reduces anxiety. Deep breathing is also the key to meditation and relaxation. So whether you sing in our car, shower or with your family and friends, sing loud for all to hear!

University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker contends that "regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes. Other research indicates that journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Pennebaker believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thus reducing the impact of these stressors on your physical health."
By writing in your journal you will be more likely able to clarify your thoughts and feelings, know yourself better, reduce stress solve problems more effectively, find solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems and resolve disagreements with others.

There is value in human contact. Even if you feel like you want to be alone, call a friend or family member and go do something. It is also important to have actual physical human contact. "Extensive research by the University of Miami's Touch Research Institute has revealed that human touch has wide-ranging physical and emotional benefits for people of all age groups. In the Institute's experiments, touch lessened pain, improved pulmonary function, increased growth in infants, lowered blood glucose and improved immune function."*

So go and give someone a hug today, not only because they may need it, but it will benefit your physical and emotional well being as well!!

Having faith outside of yourself can also produce positive health effects. Go to a local religious meeting, meet new friends, pray, meditate, and give thanks for all you have. Faith can help get you through the trials of life and provide a community that is beneficial for your overall health.

*www.livestrong.com