You’ve probably heard this dozens of times before, but I just want to give you a quick reminder to stop and smell the candy canes this holiday season.
In the traditional Christmas carol, “Deck the Halls,” not only are we encouraged to decorate for Christmas, but also “to be jolly”. The holiday usually means buying presents, cooking, working, shopping, baking, and rushing, rushing, rushing. But the best thing about the holidays is slowing down, enjoying time with family, and including lots of laughter in your routine.
Laughter has so many benefits for our mental and physical health. It can alleviate stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, fight heart disease and stroke risk, relieve body tension, boost our immune system, relieve pain, help with memory, help us connect with others, and may even help us burn some belly fat!
How can we incorporate laughter during such a stressful time? Here are a few ways:
1. Remember that it’s ok if your holiday isn’t perfect. Relax your standards just this once
2. Play with your kids. This is bound to elicit a few smiles.
3. Watch a funny movie.
4. Play a fun game that will have everyone laughing. Click here for some ideas.
5. Read a fun book.
6. Watch funny YouTube videos … the kind that prompts those deep belly laughs.
And above all, give yourself permission to relax and enjoy this season.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and …
here’s to your health!
