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Life Architecture
Indulge in Healthy Pleasures
Do you ever feel deprived of joy and pleasure because there just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day? Do you expect to catch a cold each winter just because it happens every year? Do you find yourself putting exercise, reading a great book or taking a nap way at the bottom of your to-do list (if they even make it on the list at all)? Do you look to use your trip to Couples as THE time you take to relax and recharge? If you answered yes to any of these questions then it’s important to learn how to simply and repeatedly give your mind and body a healthy boost! As your Life Architect, I am prescribing a daily dose of a healthy pleasure to reduce stress, build your immune system and increase your sense of well being.
A healthy pleasure is an activity that offers enjoyment and physiological benefits to your mind and body. For instance, researchers at the University of California – Davis found chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, contains phenols which are antioxidants that can prevent bad cholesterol from forming plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart. According to the Touch Research Institute, touch or massage can reduce pain and stress, enhance growth in infants and support immune function. Since the 70s, researchers have reported that exercise such as running, cycling or swimming causes a release of endorphins that slow down the release of the stress hormone cortisol, while increasing feelings of euphoria or joy. Likewise, experiments at Loma Linda University School of Medicine show that laughter also combats the release of cortisol while stimulating production “T” cells that are known to help prevent infections like the common cold. Evidence like this ought to motivate you to move, laugh, hug and taste your way to less stress and better health!
A vacation is the perfect time to jump-start your indulgence in healthy pleasures. While at Couples Resorts, don’t miss healthy pleasures like Cardio Groove in the 10-acre sports complexes, an Aromatherapy Massage at the luxurious spas or the Jamaican Rum Fudge served at Couples Swept Away in Negril (check out the recipe in the Cooking Corner)!
Indulging in healthy pleasures is necessary year round. If you are finding it difficult to squeeze such pleasures into your life, I recommend keeping track of your time use for three days. Then, analyze where you can create time for healthy pleasures by improving your efficiency, eliminating unnecessary tasks, delegating tasks, setting time limits on phone calls or scheduling time for a healthy pleasure just like you would a sales meeting. With the time you create, try the following:
1. Watch a comedy
2. Dance the night away
3. Go for a jog
4. Hug your loved ones
5. Enjoy a chocolate kiss
For more information on incorporating these or other healthy pleasures into your busy lives, contact me through www.atlaslifedesign.com.
Be well until next time …
Dr. Elli, Life Architect
Elysa Roberts, PhD, OTR/L
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