Fun is serious business. In fact, we need it to be healthy. When we do things that bring us joy, our brains are flooded by chemicals that trigger good feelings, euphoria even. These chemicals are neurotransmitters called endorphins, and they act as painkillers and happiness producers. Childhood is a time of free flowing endorphins because kids are great at doing things that feel good, just for the pleasure of it. Adults? Not so much.
REDISCOVERING THE JOY PRINCIPLE
Twenty years ago I found myself trapped on a treadmill with no end in sight. I was smack in the middle of a lucrative career as a lawyer –– following in the footsteps of my father and his father –– and I was completely miserable. Like so many of my colleagues, I was staring down the barrel of alcoholism and depression. I knew I had to do something, but what? I decided to start out by giving up booze for 30 days, and that proved to be the single most important choice of my life.
When I stopped drinking it was as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes. I was thinking more clearly and I just felt good! Those neurotransmitters were firing and my judgement was sharper than it had been in years. I started moving my body just for the love of movement. I went on hikes, found a trainer. I found myself and I found joy again. Today, I can be found sailing around the Caribbean and writing novels. I do what feels good. I have fun!
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
6 Steps To Overcome – Back-to-School Stress
School is about to start up again, and for many kids a variety of emotions begin to surface—ranging from excitement to nervous anticipation to all-out dread and panic. Starting a new school year is about making new friends, meeting new teachers, buying new clothes and book bags, facing bullies, learning a new curriculum, and, of course, doing homework.
Calcium And Its Importance To Your Health
Calcium is very important for your health. In fact, you have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. It makes up much of your bones and teeth and plays a role in heart health, muscle function and nerve signaling
Your Best summer skin ever
Summer brings plenty of challenges for skin (hi, blazing sunshine and strong sea breezes). Thankfully, fresh, organic produce also ripens over the summer, and certain fruits and veggies can work some surprising wonders for your largest organ. Combine these foods with supplements that love your skin year-round, and you’ll have a solid skin health strategy
Proactive Health Tips to Help Navigate Year 2 of the Pandemic
After months of unfamiliar restrictions and guidelines, pandemic fatigue is affecting how some Americans protect their health. However, experts warn that diligence is still extremely important because new mutations and variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are being discovered. The typical cold and flu season also brings added threats to people’s health and wellness.
THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE? Prioritize Fun
This is a summer like no other, with life returning to normal after a year and a half of lockdowns and restrictions. If you’re feeling conflicted about stepping back into the “business as usual” rat race, you’re not alone. The stress and isolation of a global pandemic and social upheaval have led us to rethink our values and consider a reset. What do we do now? If you ask me, it’s time to dedicate ourselves to a very important pursuit –– having fun.
DO YOU HAVE ‘Happy' or ‘Unhappy Feet'?
WHAT CONSTITUTES HAPPY FEET?
BIRDS in the MATTRESS
“Mrs. Walker is a nut. You need to do something with her,” I overheard the police officer say to my mother.
KRILL, Essential for Your Pet's Diet
There is no question that pets are part of the family and they actually help improve the mental and physical health of their human companions. To the end, it’s important that we take care of our pets and put them on the best path to wellness just like we take care of our other family members.
Imposter Syndrome
HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME
Summer Fruits and Veggies That Can Help With BRAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH
We are now in the full swing of the dog days of summer! This means a lot more stress is being placed on the body to keep us cool and everything running efficiently as we go about our day. So what are some of the classic and not so classic summer foods that we can eat to keep our mental health balanced and brains happy?
