Monday Musings – Gratitude & Giggles: 10 Things to Be Thankful For

  

Wellness doesn’t always come in the form of Kale smoothies, downward dog poses (yoga), or meditation apps – it can come from a good laugh and a little gratitude too. Sometimes we need to pause, clear our minds, and notice the little silly joys in life.

Laughter can boost your mood, reduce stress, and remind you not to take life too seriously. Here are ten fun things to be thankful for that spark wellness and giggles.

1.      Stretchy Pants – these are the unsung heroes of comfort and holiday dinners. Grab your favorite pair just in time for a Labor Day cook-out.

2.      WiFi That Actually Works – it’s modern miracle worth a standing ovation.

3.      The Smell of Freshly Popped Popcorn – instant happiness in a cloud of butter. Sit down with a large bowl of buttery popcorn on your lap and watch a funny show.

4.      When Your Cell Phone Falls But Doesn’t Crack – heart attack averted.

5.      Karaoke Nights Gone Wrong (or Right?) – laughter therapy disguised as singing.

6.      Drive-Thru Employees Who Give Extra Napkins – because they know you’re about to make a mess.

7.      The One Song You Can’t Help But Dance To – a free workout wrapped in joy. What is one song that when you hear it, you launch into a full blown concert?

8.      Unexpected Belly Laughs – the kind that sneak up on you…and cause you to snort.

9.      Finding Money in Old Coat Pockets – it’s like winning the lottery without even playing.

10. Laughing at Yourself – this is a healthy reminder that perfection is overrated. Don’t be hard on yourself, find the humor in whatever is happening.

 What would you add to the list of gratitude and giggles?

Wordless Wednesday - World Photography Week - A Community in Action

 Habitat for Humanity

It's World Photography Week, scroll through the gallery on your phone; What do your favorite photos reflect?

Monday Musings – National Wellness Month

 

Here we are halfway through the month of August, and I just discovered that this is National Wellness Month. Everything is becoming clear to me now, this must be why Weight Watchers keeps sending me emails inviting me to join.

Once upon a time and two kids ago, I was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. The program worked for me, but life changed and so did my body. If no one has told you, let me tell you, your body will change. Ladies, your metabolism may turn on you, foods that you used to eat may affect your body differently.

Aging is not all doom and gloom, just know that you may need to shift some things. The things you did for health and wellness five years ago may need to look different. Remember nutrition, fitness, and sleep all affect your health and wellness. What do you do to be sure you have a balance of all these things? Do more of the things that bring you joy.

As you focus on a healthy lifestyle be sure to include activities that stimulate laughter. There are studies that say laughter can help lessen stress, anxiety, depression, and make you feel happier.

Did you know that happiness “lowers your risk for cardiovascular disease, lowers your blood pressure, enables better sleep, and improves your diet.” At least that’s what Google told me. These are enough reasons for me to use laughter as part of my self-care. I’ve found that laughing at some of my struggles (and turning them into comedy) makes them a little more bearable.

From weight gain to wild chin hairs, and wacky kids, humor is always lurking in everyday life situations. My weight gain/weight loss efforts consistently provide material for jokes. In the last couple of years, I’ve worked with a nutritionist and a fitness trainer (at different times), yet my body refuses to cooperate.

And my chin hairs, I get rid of them, and they find their way back, longer, stronger…and grey.

Use this month to jump start or continue focusing on your health and wellness and make it fun rather than a chore. I challenge you to find something funny every day for the rest of this month.