HealthyLife Articles

Tag: joy

Laugh Out Loud (Lol)

Stress Management

Good medicine is just a chuckle away.

Is laughter really the best medicine? Studies show that hardy laughter improves blood flow, reduces stress, lessens pain, and burns calories. Some even say it has healing powers as it sends oxygen throughout the cells of your body. It’s also contagious.

What’s so funny?

Find something to laugh about – a joke, your in-laws, your boss. If that doesn’t trigger so much as a chuckle, look in the mirror. That’s right. Laugh at yourself. Make a funny face, Lift your nose and oink. Stretch your lips. Crinkle your unibrow. If that doesn’t work, fake it. Research shows that the brain can’t tell the difference.

Humor is everywhere.

Surely, there is something within your reach to make you chuckle, snort, or chortle. Here are some tips to tickle your fancy:

* Act like a kid – tell and laugh at your own knock-knock jokes, hula hoop, or wear a fake mustache and glasses. If you don’t laugh, someone around you will.

* Go to a comedy club or listen to a comedy CD.

* Watch your favorite comedy TV show or movie.

* Get a joke sent to your email every day, such as throughwww.ajokeaday.com.

* Check out Online joke websites and funny YouTube videos.

* People watch.

* Spend time with people who laugh a lot.

LOL Tip

Pretend you’re viewing your surroundings through the lens of “Candid Camera.” Focus on silly and offbeat things people do. This helps you lighten up and brightens your outlook.

Action Step

Kids laugh 200 times a day. Adults laugh only 15 times a day. Start counting the number of times you laugh and increase your record every day.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Defeat The Holiday Blues

Mental Health

The Christmas season (and other holidays, to a lesser degree) leave millions of people blue, not joyful. Contributing factors include:

* Family members who live far away.

* Memories of a loved one who has passed away.

* Financial problems.

* Fatigue and feelings of being overwhelmed by tasks and obligations associated with the holidays.

* Idealistic expectations.

Some ways to prevent the holiday blues include the following:

* Begin holiday preparations well in advance, to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

* Delegate chores like writing greeting cards or baking cookies to other members of the household.

* Don’t drink alcohol if it makes you moody and depressed.

* Don’t expect everything-food, decorations, family get-togethers-to be perfect for the holidays.

* Don’t spend beyond your budget.

* If keeping old holiday traditions is painful, start new ones.

* If you expect to be alone for the holidays, don’t wait to be invited somewhere; invite people over.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Laugh Out Loud (Lol) 2

Mental Health Care

Start counting the number of times you laugh a day. Set a goal to laugh more.

* Check out funny YouTube videos.

* Watch comedy shows and movies.

* Get a joke sent to your email every day, such as throughajokeaday.com.

* Act like a kid – tell and laugh at your own knock-knock jokes, hula hoop, or wear a fake mustache and glasses.

* Consider joining a “Laughter Yoga” class. Learn lots of laughter techniques while you move in positions to relax your body and mind.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Plan For Happiness During The Holidays

Connect With Relatives

If holidays are sad due to a lost loved one, plan to be with other people.

For many people, holiday times are too hectic and tiring to be enjoyable. For others, living alone or with memories of a lost loved one brings sadness.

* Schedule activities you enjoy, but take time to unwind.

* Keep from over planning, hosting, and attending too many events.

* Lower expectations of having a perfect holiday. Focus on family traditions that are enjoyable, but realistic.

* Talk to someone you trust if you are having sad feelings.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Create Self-Enhancing Feelings 2

SleepWell® Program

Week 5

Take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, and actions. You will feel better about yourself and your life. Blaming others is a natural, child-like reaction. It is more adult-like to figure out the amount of control you have in a given situation and respond to it in a mature way. You may not have control in every situation, but you can choose how you respond to others.

One reason to become more accountable for your responses is that a “victim” response forms negative, draining feelings. Self-responsibility creates positive energy. With it you can manage every event in a more positive, self-nurturing manner. One way to do this is to look at your language and see if you use “victim” or “accountability” phrases.

Example “victim” phrase:

I can’t improve my sleep until my boss gives me a better work shift.

Example “accountability” phrase:

I can schedule a meeting with my boss to discuss my shift and my sleep needs.

The Power of a Phrase

Fill in after the victim phrase with something you have caught yourself saying or are feeling right now. Use an accountability phrase to re-write this statement.

Victim Phrase

* I can’t…

* It’s useless…

* I have to…

* Why am I always the one who…

Accountability Phrase

* I can…

* There’s always a chance…

* I choose to…

* I’ll be the one who…

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Laughter And Its Benefits

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

In everyday life, laughter is a potent stress reliever. When something strikes us as humorous, it distracts us from our worries and can positively shift our mood. Laughter also deepens our connection with those around us. Inside jokes and playful humor are important parts of strong relationships.

Scientists have studied the effects of laughing on people dealing with many different diseases. Laughing and humor show promise as a potential therapy to promote healing.

Health Benefits

Laughter is good for the body and mind. Health benefits of laughing may include:

* Decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol

* Increased level of “feel-good” hormones in the brain

* Improved immune system function

* Lowers the risk of heart disease

* Better pain tolerance

Finding more humor in life

* Youtube is a great source of funny videos. Pull up a funny pet compilation or videos of humorous bloopers.

* Post your favorite comic strip or a daily humor calendar where you will see it every day.

* Start a funny meme text or email thread with friends or family.

* Watch a sitcom in the evening to help you unwind.

* Read a memoir or book written by an author (or comedian!) known for their humor.

You could probably think of many other things that tickle your funny bone. However, the most important thing is to make humor a regular part of your Veterans day. Find what makes you laugh and indulge every day.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Happy Through Giving

Stress Management

Helping others releases endorphins in the brain and boosts happiness for us and the people we help.

Research consistently suggests that people who volunteer are more satisfied with their lives and have better mental well-being.

* Donate household goods and clothing.

* Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank.

* Donate blood. It could save a person’s life.

* Maintain a “Thanksgiving Day” attitude all year long.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Happy Through Play

Stress Management

The benefits of play include creativity, release of tension and stress, and relaxation.

* Plan active play time with your children outdoors. Play in the leaves.

* Enjoy board games or card games with your children or friends.

* Wear a costume on Halloween − or any day, just for the fun of it.

* Playing games like chess and playing a musical instrument challenge the brain and can help prevent memory problems, as well as improve brain function.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Destination: Fun

Healthy Travel

Taking a break from it all is good for your health and happiness. Planning ahead, packing smart, and knowing your destination will help you relax and enjoy. Use these tips for a safe and healthy vacation.

* Find out what to expect at your destination – weather, construction areas, and health concerns.

* If you are going outside the U.S., find out if you need any vaccines. Ask your doctor or visitcdc.gov/travel.

* Don’t carry large amounts of cash.

* Make sure you have enough of your medicines. Pack them in your carry-on bag.

* Pack a first-aid kit with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, sunscreen, and bandages.

* During airplane travel, stretch your arms and legs at least every hour.

* Leave valuables at home. Don’t become a target for theft.

* Stay hydrated. If the drinking water is unsafe, choose bottled water. Limit alcohol and caffeine.

* Wash your hands often. Take alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain least 60% alcohol.

* Talk to your family about safety concerns. Don’t let kids wander.

* Supervise your children at all times.

Action Step:Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Love Is Healthy For Your Heart

Heart & Circulation Problems

Heart health isn’t just about not smoking and controlling cholesterol and blood pressure.

* Loving and feeling loved is vital to a healthy heart, as well as your overall well-being.

* Studies have consistently shown that:

– Negative relationships raise the risk of heart problems.

– Marriage lowers the risk of heart attack in both men and women of all ages.

– People who hugged often showed lowered blood pressure and levels of stress hormones.

Plan to spend time with loved ones. Go on a date with your partner once a week. Have a weekly family outing or game night.

Say, “I love you,” “I care about you,” and “You mean a lot to me.” Give hugs. Cuddle a pet.

Don’t spend too much time on your smart phone and other devices if it leads to neglecting loved ones.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026