As adults we tend to be so serious and forget how important playing and laughter can be to our spirit. It can improve our health and open us up to greater happiness. I have 4 tips that will improve your health!
When was that last time you played, really played as an adult?
How much laughter do you get in each day?
Studies show that children laugh roughly 300 times a day and adults laugh about 17 times a day (give or take a few). Quite a difference, huh!? Hearing a child laugh is such a magical sound. The sound is filled with delight, innocence, joy, excitement, goodness, overall – a spirit filled with happiness.
Recently while I was on a trip to a coaching conference, I was hyper aware of the children around me (due to my hubby writing a children’s book). Everything was so new and exciting for them. They were filled with wonder and amazement. From the trams that ran inside the airport, to seeing the airplanes, to meeting the pilot and getting a license to fly the plane, you name it. The joy and excitement exuded from their eyes, mouths, and bodies. They were just bubbly, wiggly, little souls. I got such a kick out of watching and listening to them. They asked such intriguing, intelligent questions, and were constantly curious.
Psychologists say that a baby’s brain is better able to notice beauty and experience delight, being fully appreciative of the new – and more present in the now. Adults have a more narrow consciousness, which makes it a bit harder for us to find intrigue and amusement. It also makes us less open to to adjusting to the new and less able to be in the now. Below are 4 tips to help you expand your consciousness, lift your spirit, and improve your health and happiness.
TIPS TO EXPAND YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS
1. Be Curious
Keep an open mind, don’t take things for granted, ask questions, learn something, read diverse kinds of reading. Connect with others that come from different backgrounds.
2. Meditate
Take time to breath. Give thanks. Be present and clear you mind, even if it’s for 2 minutes every morning. You’ll see the world in new ways with a clearer and ore open heart and mind. (Learn more about the importance of nasal breathing and how to do it.)
3. Practice Mindfulness
Soak in the beauty around you, the outdoors, a painting, music, etc. Find the world amusing. Be aware of the beauty around you as drive to work. Let your body soak in the beat and energy of an incredible song. When you go for walks look around. Check out the different birds. The lushness of the grass and trees. The different animals. The different people. The sky and all the different formations of the clouds.
4. Play
It’s relaxing, stimulating, re-fuels your imagination, and is great for our mental health. It allows us to lose ourselves just a bit. Swing on a swing next time you’re near or at a park. Play catch or hop scotch with your kids. Draw with chalk on the sidewalk. Play in the rain. Go to an amusement part. See the world through a child’s eyes.
BENEFITS
1. Relieves Stress
2. Improves Brain Function
3. Stimulates the Mind and Boosts Creativity
4. Improves Relationships and Connection with Others
5. Keeps you Feeling Young and Energetic
While at my coaching conference I saw these chairs at my hotel, so I jumped on for a ride. Just a little bit of play and laughter does wonders for the mind, body and spirit.
Be open and in the now, fully receptive to seeing the beauty of life everywhere.
Improve your health – laugh more!
Shine Brightly,
Ali
P.S. I’d love to hear how you play and incorporate laughter into your life. Feel free to post below and/or post pics or videos to my Ali McWilliams Personal Fitness, LLC fan page. Add the hashtag #AliFitnessPlay or #AliFitnessLaugh
