Your Mood

Improve your mood and improve your thinking

When was the last time you really laughed?  That full belly filled, tears rolling down your cheeks laugh?  Or when was the last time you took time to play? It has probably been a while. Most adults don’t even use the word play in their daily vocabulary (unless speaking of or to a child).  But, no matter your age, humans are built with an instinct to play.  There is a growing body of research suggesting that we grown-ups need to do ourselves a favor and reconnect with that inner child. 

According to some studies children smile up to 400 times a day, while adults only average 15-17 times a day. What a significant difference. Implementing play into our day can have major impacts on our overall physical and mental health status. Playing, laughing, and enjoying ourselves can significantly lower blood pressure, increase our time spent and overall benefits of engaging in physical activity, and it can even strengthen relationships with those whom we choose to play with (our children, our spouse, our friends).

And if this wasn’t enough to get you to laugh more, smile more and engage in more playful activities – did you know – people who are happier tend to be more creative? New research from Northwestern and Drexel Universities found that the “Aha Moment!” – Which Oprah made famous – is more likely to occur when we are amused?  Creative insight and that spark of creative problem solving tends to occur more when there is a positive state of mind.  So, you never know – you may have your own spark of genius while blowing bubbles, having a pillow fight, or teaching your kids to play Red Rover!