Program Quick-Find
SUNSHINE AND FRESH AIR
There is good reason why your mother always wanted you to play outside, and not just for the peace and quiet! It really is good for you.
- Exposure to sunshine stimulates cortisol, melatonin, and serotonin, all important body chemicals to regulate your stress, energy, sleep, mood, memory and appetite.
- Living in the northern hemisphere, away from the equator, means Canadians get short days and cold and cloudy weather in the winter. This reduces our daily dose of sunshine and makes us want to hibernate with the bears!
- You need to get sun when you can; get outside at midday when the sun is brightest, don’t sleep during the day, and sit near windows.
- Some people respond to increased indoor lighting. If you experience seasonal depression, you might try therapy with artificial full-spectrum light.
- Inhale deeply when you are outdoors. It’s a relaxation trick plus it is truly refreshing after the usual stale, recycled air we get indoors in winter.
LAUGHTER THERAPY
Use the positive effects of laughter to release the negative effects of stress.
Laughter really is great medicine. It’s free and has no negative side effects. It’s like an aerobic workout for your insides. It uses the muscles of your abdomen, deepens your breathing and increases your level of oxygen.
Use comedy as therapy, hang out with funny people, and be able to laugh at yourself. Humour will foster a positive and hopeful attitude.
