During this season of gift giving, we should all be reminded to take a moment to pamper ourselves. Here are some gifts that keep on giving and the best part is they’re all free!
Who among us couldn’t benefit from or enjoy a nice afternoon nap? Napping for 90 minutes in the afternoon can actually boost your brain power by as much as 20%. Napping also improves heart health. The next time you’re caught napping at work defend your argument.
Laughing a lot releases endorphins which in turn produces a feeling of well being. Laughing can reduce stress; help prevent heart disease; ease muscle tension and stimulate the brain. Laughter really is the best medicine. Well it’s right up there with penicillin anyway.
Socializing with friends has been shown to boost the immune system and cardiovascular health and can actually help us live longer. Friends can protect us from many mental health issues like stress, depression and anxiety. Some friends can actually cause us to have stress, depression and anxiety. So choose your friends wisely.
Dancing and listening to music are as effective as friends when it comes to reducing stress and depression. Of course watching Brsitol Palin on Dancing with the Stars was both stressful and depressing so watch this doesn’t backfire.
Your mind is a muscle and it too needs to be exercised. Learning something new will improve your cognitive ability. Sudoku and crossword puzzles are another easy way to maintaining a sharp mind. Just make sure you use a pencil and not a pen. Leave yourself some room for error.
If you have a pet you are already ahead of the game. Owning a dog especially can lead to more social contacts (chick magnet) and increase physical activity (daily walking) and researchers claim dogs can even warn of cancer, heart attack, epileptic seizures and hypoglycaemia. (http://www.50plus.com/health/doctor-dog/1816/) They also lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Walking is a great stress reliever and you can enjoy the theatre of your own mind; be one with yourself.
Last but certainly not least, having sex (please don`t make me state the obvious) I am talking about free things here.) with a partner (I know we are speaking of gifts we give to ourselves but again don`t make me state the obvious.) has a myriad of health benefits including a longer life (in some instances as long as you don`t get caught); it lowers the blood pressure; lowers ones risk of breast and prostate cancer; relieves pain (I suppose this too depends on what you are into. I`m just saying); burns calories; reduces menopause symptoms; and increase testosterone levels in men.
Let the gift giving begin!
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