Dear Friend, we've crafted a 5-day #JoyChallenge to help you and us experience lasting joy. On this last day, you'll do the final challenge.
It's a perfect way to ease into the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge that we created to help you experience joy in your everyday life.
Day 5: Laughter
Laughter is the best medicine because it floods your brain and body with mood-boosting serotonin.
When we were kids, it was okay to be silly. But when we grew up, we had to put that aside for a more acceptable adult demeanor (seriousness). Unfortunately, we end up becoming uptight. Laughter decreases in our lives. It becomes harder to experience joy.
To laugh more, we need to start being silly again. How about setting a goal to make at least one person laugh every day? You can find someone to joke around with- your friends, colleagues, spouse, etc.
Do more of those things you used to enjoy when you were a child, and allow yourself to feel comfortable when doing them. It will feel weird at first. Your brain will remind you many times to be a 'serious' adult, but as you continue making laughter a habit, that inner voice will fade away.
Today's challenge:
Your challenge is simple: laugh as often as possible. Explore opportunities to laugh, and seek them out actively.
Watch silly cat videos on YouTube, a funny movie, crack jokes in conversations, and do your best to stop taking yourself so seriously.
You'll find that with time, laughter becomes a habit. The people around you will also enjoy being around a more cheerful you.
Laughing releases endorphins, the "feel good" hormones that help the body to reduce pain while increasing pleasure. They reduce the body's stress response and relax the muscles.
Endorphins are the cause of the giddy feeling you experience from laughing. In particular, full belly laughs release oxytocin, another hormone that relaxes our nervous system.
As laughter becomes a habit, your joy will likely spread to others around you. They will feel joyful, even after brief interactions with you. Because of the mirror neurons in our brains related to imitation, joy is contagious. Go ahead, pass it on!
Sole Toscana Skincare #joychallenge
Monday. Practice mindfulness—focus on the present moment and away from stressful thoughts.
Tuesday. Gratitude—appreciate what you have as often as you can, and watch how negativity disappears.
Wednesday. Kindness—being kind to others increases dopamine in the brain, for both the giver and receiver.
Thursday. No Complaining—turn your attention to solutions instead of problems.
Friday. Laughter is the best medicine because it floods your brain and body with mood-boosting serotonin.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
