The world is CRAZY right now!
Guess what!? – It ALWAYS has been! The world has gone through so many wild phases with each generation pondering whether their era is the last – but time keeps flowing and people keep thriving. Of all the wars, collapses, revolutions and calamities – our brethren prevail!
So, worry about the future, but just enough to prepare. Being proactive about your legitimate concerns alleviates stress and uncertainty. Failing to act on one’s worries can lead to despair and confusion. Prep a little, save a little, work hard – but don’t forget to have fun!
The Truth is that we aren’t here for that long and we need to choose wisely how we spend our time. I firmly believe God has high expectations of his people (that means YOU) and that we must work vigorously to improve our personal condition and that of the world. We must work to better humanity. We must uphold and preserve God’s wonderful creation.
LAUGH - JOKE - BE SILLY
God also gave us the ability to laugh, to smile, to joke! Taking the time to have fun is vital for one’s mental and physical health. The world is amazing, there is so much to do, to eat, to learn! Don’t forget to be in awe of God’s creation – enjoy the simple things – Laugh! It’s good for you! Seek out moments of fun and silliness, whether it be a movie or a practical joke.
Laughter increases heart and respiratory rates as well as oxygen consumption over a short period. After these initial changes, a person moves into a state of relaxation.
Laughter affects heart function. It increases stroke volume and cardiac output, and it dilates blood vessels.
Laughter lowers levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
Laughter activates the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward system in the brain.
It raises levels of beta-endorphins (the feel-good chemicals of the body) and increases human growth hormone
There is an inverse association between coronary heart disease and propensity to laugh; laughing more means lower heart attack risk.
A 2018 study found that laughter therapy effectively delays cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes.
Watching a comedy show decreased overall rise in glucose levels after eating.
Laughter and clowning reduced hyperinflation of the lungs in people with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Humor therapy (watching a 20-minute humorous movie) led to improvements in cognitive function, including learning ability, delayed recall, and visual recognition in study that included 30 older adults.
Laughter decreased inflammation (as measured by pro-inflammatory cytokine levels) in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
The Healing Benefits of Humor and Laughter - Whole Health Library
MOVE YOURSELF
I love going fast, whether racing a car or bombing a ski hill. It necessitates full attention; there’s simply no time to be sad when negotiating a fast corner or braking for a hairpin. Put yourself in a situation that requires shutting parts of your brain off and activating the adventurous fun zones.
Having fun has plethora of mental and physical health benefits:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Engaging in enjoyable activities can lower stress hormones like cortisol and promote relaxation.
Boosts Mood and Happiness: Fun activities release endorphins, the body's natural mood boosters, leading to increased feelings of happiness and well-being.
Improves Cognitive Function: Engaging in fun activities can improve focus, concentration, and memory.
Physical Health Benefits:
Stronger Immune System: Happiness and positive emotions can boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to illnesses.
Better Heart Health: Studies have linked happiness with lower blood pressure and heart rates.
More Energy: Enjoyable activities can increase your energy levels and vitality.
Improved Sleep: Relaxing and fun activities can contribute to better sleep quality.
Promotes Healthy Behaviors: Leisure activities can encourage more physical activity and improve sleep habits. Hang with friends - go golfing - make the time to see your people.
JAM OUT - SING ALONG - SEE A CONCERT
Listen to music! The human ear is connected to many parts of the brain – listening to music improves blood flow to many areas of the brain and body, including the lungs and heart! Our limbic system lights up when we perceive music that is pleasing to the soul. Seek out good, happy, melodic music that resonates with your mood and personality. Listening to heavy angry music could amp us up but could also increase rage and anger. Classical, reggae, jazz, the golden oldies, all seem to vastly improve one’s overall outlook on life. Listen loud and listen often.
Whether it classical strings or reggae horns, find something that moves you!
Sh-Boom - Life Could be Dream - Written in a time of nuclear war and uncertainty
Jamming out alone or with others can be great for your overall mood and energy level!
Music can boost your mood and can lead to a long-term positive outlook;
Rhythmic melodies and chanting can assist with meditation, calming one’s mind;
Harmonious and constant melodies bring on faster sleep times;
Release dopamine to improve or amplify your mood - be careful of harsh lyrics!
Benefits of Music on Body, Mind, Relationships & More
I sincerely believe that we should work hard to improve ourselves and communities in serving creation, but we also deserve to laugh and have fun; be jovial and uplifting to those around you! Go do something where you can’t think – go go-karting, see that 80’s metal band, mountain bike, cook your favorite meal for your best friend – and please – don’t forget to laugh!
What makes YOU happy? Share your favorite song or hobby with us - comment below!