In a recent survey, over 30% of the respondents indicated that they were “totally stressed out” more than twice a week. That's a lot of stress! Research has shown that the release of endorphins in laughter and play can make all the difference in your stress level. “Making play a way of getting what you want out of life is not only fun, but healthy and can make life less stressful,” says Barbara Brannen, the author of “The Gift of Play Why Adult Women Stop Playing and How to Start Again.” Here are Barbara's quick tips for playing your way to a stress free life. Day One — SMILE MORE Smile before you even get out of bed . Get those endorphins started early. If you find you have forgotten to smile before your feet hit the floor; jump back in bed and show those pearly whites. If you share a bed with a significant other they may wonder what you are up to. Tell them you are just planning a magnificent day! Smile all day. Day Two — MOOD FOODS Bananas are a wonderful mood assistant and they are funny looking. You can even use the peel to help with insect bites in the summer. Bananas have natural ingredients that will lift your mood to make you happier. Make lunch your big meal of the day from now on. Have a salad or soup with fruits instead of heavier foods in the evening. Set an end time to eating several hours before your retire. Play with new menus this week to see how you can less stressed by playing with what you eat. Day Three — PLAY GAMES Replace the bad with the good. Watch a fun show on television that really makes you laugh. Try video games, their not just for kids! Find a silly cartoon every once in awhile on the internet. Get outside and play a game with the neighbor kids. Hide and seek, hopscotch and even take a turn on the hula hoop. Your endorphins will be raised and you will find yourself smiling more. Day Four — PLAY ALL DAY! Make it an experiment today to see it all as play. Start with day dreaming and keep it up all day. Keep thinking about what you would do if you weren't in this situation. Then add to the play by stopping for ice cream, skipping down the hall or finding a funny website that makes you laugh. Day Five — TAKE ON MORE PLAY Learn to Play Again: Can't remember how to play? It's not too late to start again. How you played as a child will tell you what you might enjoy doing today. Loved the water? Take up swimming at a local pool. Start doing something with your hands like pottery or bead work or knitting. It is never too late to start playing again! Take one small step toward doing those fun things again, even if it is just thinking about it! Day Six — PLAN TO PLAY Get out your pen and circle a day on the calendar when you, the kids, the dog and your special friends will play. Just circle the day for now. As you look at the circle in the coming weeks keep thinking of the many fun things you might do that day to play. Day Seven — NAP Taking a nap is your only agenda item for this last day. “A short nap is one of the most powerful forms of play,” says Barbara, “it literally allows you to decompress without a lot of fuss or forethought.” Find a spot that is peaceful and quiet and take a snooze. Bring the Enjoyment of Play Back Into Your Life: It took years of growing into adulthood to get out of the habit of play; it will take time to reestablish the habit. It will be worth the time you take to give the gift of play back to yourself. Those you love, your family, friends and co-workers will see the noted difference in your reduced stress. Get them to join in with the newer, happier, more fulfilled you! |
