Laughter is the Best Medicine

         Whether you're laughing at the newest episode of modern family, or at your favorite comedian, laughter does you good. It is a great natural stress reliever and actually has short term and long term benefits. A laugh not only lightens your load mentally, but actually induces physical changes within the body. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen stimulating your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain. On a more long term note, laughing can have effects on your immune system, pain levels, and personal satisfaction. Generally when you laugh, your in a positive mood, and positive thoughts release neuropeptides that help fight off stress and potentially more-serious illnesses. It can also ease pain because laughing causes the body to release its natural pain killers. You don't have to do research on how laughing can alleviate stress because we all know how good it makes us feel. For more information please click the following link http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-relief/SR00034.


These are a few of my favorite YouTube videos that are sure to make you chuckle. 

• Baby giving the evil eye 
• 3 year old walks in on parents.... 
• David after dentist 
• Kid dancing to Apple Bottom Jeans

Music as Therapy

Music has been used for hundreds of years to treat illnesses and restore harmony between the mind and body. Soothing music has a unique connection to our emotions and that is why it can be used as an extremely effective stress management tool. When I am listening to music to help relieve stress I first find a quiet comfortable place, and second pick music suitable to my mood. Everyone is different, so different music affect people differently, and that's why it is important to find the right kind of music for you. I personally like instrumental calming music, or music filled with sounds from nature. When listening it is important to drop everything at the door, quiet your mind, and not let any outside distractions disrupt your listening. If you set aside time for yourself everyday you will see the difference it makes in your life. I have noticed that I am more even keeled, more productive, and LESS STRESSED! For more information on how music can impact your life please click the following link.

Paul Collier is one of my favorite artists to listen to,  his songs can be found on YouTube. Please check out some of the links to Paul's music below....

•   10 Minute Relax Song****
•  Emotional or Sad 
•  Inspirational 
• Uplifting****

What is stress?

 

Stress can be caused by an array of things ranging from emotional problems, relationships with friends and family, major life changes, conflicts, social and job issues, your surroundings, and many more. But what actually is stress? Many of understand stress to be the body's response to some sort of internal or external stimulus.  To fully understand and eventually manage stress I think it is very important to understand the biological changes that our body undergoes when we are stressed. The body tries its hardest to maintain a constant state of homeostasis, and when forces disrupt that, the body can enter a state of "flight or fight."   This fight or flight response is initially brought about by the release of two neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine. This then leads to physiologic effects such as a rapid heart rate, increased alertness etc.  When your body is in this state it is hard for a person to relax and be on a normal schedule. Your body is in a constant state of stress, and normal bodily processes such as digestion are put on hold. For more information on the history behind stress please click the link.