Feel-Good Factor: Dance!
Did you know that dancing is one of the most fun and effective ways to get a complete mind and body workout? Studies show that dancing can instantly lift your mood, help reduce stress, increase energy levels, improve flexibility, increase muscle tone and strength, increase bone density, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and aid weight loss. It also boosts self-confidence and self esteem …
Feel-Good Factor Tip: Soak in a Warm Bath
Research reveals that relaxing in a warm bath of bubbles instantly calms the mind, soothes the body and promotes deep, restful sleep. Adding 2 cups of Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil further enhances the wellbeing benefits. Magnesium, found in Epsom salts, is naturally absorbed through the skin. This mineral aids the production of serotonin, the hormone responsible for …
Feel-Good Factor Tip: Laugh!
Research shows that the simple act of laughing offers an amazing array of mental, physical, emotional and social benefits. Laughter lowers stress hormones, boosts immunity, decreases pain, relaxes muscles and lowers blood pressure. It eases anxiety and fear, improves mood, and adds joy and zest to life. It also strengthens relationships, defuses conflict and promotes …
Feel-Good Factor Tip: Have a Clear-Out!
Pick one cupboard or area of your house that is full of clutter. Get four boxes and label them: ‘rubbish’, ‘recycle’, ‘sell/donate’, and ‘deal with’. Take everything out of the cupboard. Clean the space. Take each item and decide whether it needs to go into one of the four boxes or be put back into the cupboard. Ensure that the things going back into the cupboard are neatly arranged …
Feel-Good Factor Tip: Smile!
We are all drawn to people who smile. Studies show that not only does smiling make you more attractive to others, it also tricks your body and mind into changing your mood for the better. It relieves stress, boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, releases ‘feel-good’ hormones and lifts your face to make you look younger and more successful. It also helps you stay more positive …
Feel-Good Factor Tip: Hug Someone!
Research has shown that just ten seconds of hugging can lower your blood pressure. Hugging triggers the production of the feel-good hormone oxytocin and lowers the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin. Oxytocin is a pleasure hormone. It creates feelings of calmness, contentment, and security, while reducing fear and anxiety. Done regularly, hugging lowers the risk of heart disease …
Benefits of Meditation Practice
The wide and varied benefits to be enjoyed from the regular practice of meditation are awesome. I am always amazed at how something so simple can have such a profound and powerful balancing effective on a person’s mind, body and spirit. Here is a summary of the key benefits that regular daily practice can give us. Reduced stress. Meditation literally reduces stress by reversing the effects of …