 Try these 3 simple tips to feel better immediately: #1 Turn up the corners of your mouth Something you can do anywhere and anytime is turn up the corners of your mouth. This has the effect of instantly brightening your mood and your outlook, not to mention your physical appearance. By turning up the corners of your mouth, your body releases neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress as well as lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. When you smile, the endorphins released act as a natural pain reliever and the serotonin released serves as an anti-depressant/mood lifter. When you smile, the world smiles back. Yes, your smile is actually contagious! And let’s face it (punny!) you are actually better looking when you smile. Go on, give it a try right now. #2 Stand in Power Pose Something borrowed from the yogis, but requiring no training at all, is to stand evenly balanced on your two feet and lift your arms overhead in a strong ‘V’ shape. Hold this for 30 seconds, up to 2 minutes if you can, and feel the benefits straight away. Harvard Business School Professor Amy Cuddy gave a TED talk about this. “Certain ‘power poses’ don’t just change how others perceive you, “Professor Cuddy says. “They immediately change your body chemistry.” Our testosterone and cortisol levels are affected when we adopt a power pose. This is something you can easily do when you want that boost of confidence from within. Try it first thing in the morning, or before a meeting or even a challenging phone call you may have to make. #3 Laugh, then laugh some more Did you know, your body cannot distinguish between real and fake laughter? Anything that makes you laugh or giggle will have a positive impact by unleashing a rush of stress-busting endorphins. One of the ways to begin a laughing burst is to start clapping in rhythm to “ho-ho-ha-ha-ha”. Sometimes, it is the simple ridiculousness of this exercise that jump-starts a real and contagious belly-laugh that can result in a laughing fit that leaves you uplifted and with a smile on your face for hours afterwards. Great to do with a friend, however odd you might feel at the outset! There are laughter workshops and even Laughter Yoga classes if you want some serious fun. So give one, or all of these tips a try and let me know if you feel better immediately! As Professor Cuddy says, “Our bodies change our minds, and our minds change our behaviour, and our behaviour changes our outcomes.” Vanessa Steele ThoughtMatters counsellor
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