Simply Natural Ideas: Lighten Up!

11 August 2011 No Comments

Rochelle Hanson

By Rochelle Hanson

Stressed. Tired. Overwhelmed. Confused. If any of these words describe your current situation, maybe it’s time to lighten up. So many people walk around with years and years of baggage on their shoulders. Why carry the extra weight if you don’t have to? Below you will find three practical tips on how to lighten up.

Laugh a little. Did you know that laughter lowers the levels of cortisol in your body? Cortisol is a stress hormone that suppresses the immune system. When you laugh, not only are you lowering these levels, you are also enabling your immune system to do the job it needs to do. Dr. Lee Burk of Loma Linda University in California has been studying laughter for over 20 years. His studies show that laughter releases endorphins similar to the ‘high’ joggers experience while they run. Laughter also improves your circulation and your cardiovascular health. Since most people who have their sanity don’t laugh in a room all by themselves, you now have the perfect excuse to go hang out with some friends and socialize. Try laughter; it does the body good.

Stop worrying. It’s only going to give you grey hairs. If there is nothing in your power that will enable you to fix a problem, simply accept the situation and leave it alone. Just let it go. You’ll be surprised what can happen if you do. One of my friends from church needed a car. She’s a single mother and a hair dresser by trade. Last year she was standing at the bus stop holding her daughter in the middle of a snow storm. She prayed, she believed, and she left it alone. After doing hair for one of her clients one day, the client says, “I was impressed to buy you a car.” And she did. Just like that. No strings attached. I can’t help but smile when I see my friend at church pulling up in the parking lot every week with her daughter in the back seat. Ask anyone who believes and they’ll tell you, faith is good for your health.

Take life one step at a time. For many people, the journey to health and wellness is not easy. I consider myself privileged to have started at such a young age. I’m still single and i actually have time to devote to my health and to research. If you have a family or an extremely heavy workload, or both for that matter, sometimes this healthy journey stuff can be challenging. My words of encouragement to you are these. Remember that you don’t have to change over night. Take this journey one step at a time. Start drinking more water. Read my article called What’s in your cup? Make your bedtime a priority, and actually Sleep at Night. Just choose one area in your life that needs improvement and master that area. Don’t be confused by all the conflicting studies and research that is available online concerning what ever problem you are trying to resolve. Place yourself in an environment of peace and positivity, and learn from people who are living examples of what they teach.

So lighten up a bit. Don’t be afraid to laugh in the face of adversity. Stop worrying about the problems you don’t have answers to, and take life one step at a time. There is no sweeter moment than the moment of truth, when you finally realize that life is totally what you make it. Join my group on Facebook, Rochelle Hanson Wellness. We talk about stuff like this all the time.

Rochelle Hanson is a Freelance Writer and Natural Health Enthusiast, offering practical tips on natural health and wellness. For healthy recipes, motivational tips, and ideas on natural health, subscribe to her blog, Simply Natural Ideas, or connect with Rochelle on Facebook.