Spread the Happiness: Look up and Smile
We humans need social connections. Researchers propose that we are vigilant to even the most subtle cues of inclusion or exclusion. As we walk around through the day, our brains, using our mirror neurons, are constantly processing the feelings of people that pass by us. So when we see someone smile at us, mirror neurons simulate our own smiling. Additionally, when we smile, our brain makes neurochemicals that actually make us happy. Thus, when we see someone smile, we mentally simulate that smile or smile back and we feel happier.
Can Exercise Make You Smarter?
When you ask someone why they are exercising they’ll tell you, they want to look good in a bikini or lose weight or get buff.
But what about our brains?
When was the last time you heard someone say they are exercising to get a bigger brain?!
Can exercise actually make us smarter?
Well, research has found that exercise can enhance how we think and improve our memory.
Meditation and Being Cut-off in Traffic. How it all fits together.
So we now know how meditation is supposed to change our brains. But how does this apply to the real world? This week we look at a very (unfortunately) real world example on our meditation can help us deal with annoyances like being cut-off in traffic. Feel your blood start to boil already? Let's learn why and how meditation can help.
The Benefits of Green Exercise
When compared to exercising indoors, exercising in nature has been found to generate feelings of positive engagement, greater feelings of revitalisation, reduced tension, decreased anger and depression and increased energy.
One of the more amazing findings was that for improvements in self-esteem and mood, the greatest improvement occurred in the first 5 minutes…yes FIVE MINUTES! This suggests that the effects are almost immediate.
So ditch the gym or yoga studio and try an outdoor class
Combine the benefits of exercise or yoga with being outdoors. Join a group and socialise, too
Feeing tired? Having trouble sleeping? Exercise could be the answer.
In Australia, a study found sleep difficulties, including issues falling asleep, issues staying asleep, lack of sleep, daytime fatigue and irritability, was found in 20-35% of people.
This is a significant public health concern and insufficient sleep can have come severe consequences.
Recent trials have found exercise is associated with improved sleep quality, longer sleep times, more efficient sleep and a reduced time to fall asleep.
So, if you are feeling tired or having trouble sleeping, after checking with your health professional, perhaps try getting your sweat on. It may just help you get the sleep you need and crave.