Get Goofy: 5 Health Reasons Adults Need To Play And Loosen Up More
Some adults tend to think that they shouldn't goof around and let go because they are adults. However, there are numerous health reasons that research backs that say you should release your inner child more frequently. Loosening up and having fun can improve your productivity, happiness and health. Read on to learn more:
1. Beat Stress with Loads of Laughter.
Science seems to believe that a good laugh every now and then can help reduce your stress levels. One study shows that individuals who anticipated watching funny videos showed signs of less cortisol, epinephrine and dopac, which are all stress hormones. By reducing your stress, you can start to sleep better, have fewer stress-related headaches and experience less anxiety. Plus, you'll boost your immune system. Therefore, laughter is one of the best medicines for your physical and mental health.
2. Grow Your Brain by Playing Games.
Although most adults would distinguish memory games as childhood games, these games can actually help ensure your brain continues to grow well into adulthood. One study suggests that learning new color names increases the brain's gray matter. This is an important part of the brain, as it is the part that helps you process thoughts and make decisions.
3. Playing Gives Your Heart a Health Boost.
You probably know that physical activity is good for your overall health and even your heart. However, a lot of people don't want to exercise. Luckily, physical play is more fun and can trick your brain into thinking that you are playing rather than "exercising." Your body and brain don't even realize that you're getting exercise and burning calories while you're actually playing, being goofy and having a good old-fashioned time.
Did you know that you can burn 321 calories an hour by dancing or 500 calories an hour by playing a game of soccer with the kids?
4. Humor Can Help Improve Productivity.
Research suggests that humor-filled office meetings can make communication better between co-workers. This is because it helps to break down walls and barriers that many put up at work and around strangers. Better communication and happiness in the workplace can then lead to better productivity on your part as well as others.
5. Funny Experiences Can Help Improve Your Relationship.
While physical play can be good for the health of your heart, playing around can even help your heart in a different sense. One study suggests that couples who regularly reminisce about funny experiences from their past are able to have greater satisfaction in their relationship. So, it would seem that a couple that plays together is more likely to stay together.
There are a lot of things that you can do to improve your overall health, including regular exercise and eating a properly-portioned and healthy diet. However, it would appear that releasing your inner kindergartner and acting a bit more like your kids (or nephews and nieces) can provide numerous health benefits. To find out more about what you can do to improve your health, contact your family doctor to discuss changes that can be made in your current lifestyle.
To learn more, contact a company like Entira Family Clinics with any questions you have.
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