Exercising Your Joy Muscles in 2021: 5 Benefits to a Daily Joy Regimen

BLOG-2021-01-06-Exercising_Joy_Muscles-Cowell.jpg

Did you know you have joy muscles? Yes, you do!  And did you also know that adding a joy regimen to your weekly exercise routine has valuable benefits?  

5 Benefits to a Daily joy regimen:

  • Boosts your immune system

  • Fights stress

  • Relieves physical pain

  • Supports longevity

  • Promotes a healthier lifestyle

The Science of Joy

You might be asking, can joy really do all of that? It can. Let me explain.

On a scientific level, we feel joy in our brain’s neurotransmitters, the tiny chemical “messenger” cells that transmit signals between neurons (nerves) and other bodily cells.

Those neurotransmitters are responsible for processes and feelings in almost every aspect of the body, from blood flow to digestion.

Said less scientifically, we feel joy in our bodies because of the release of dopamine and serotonin, two types of neurotransmitters in the brain. Both of these chemicals are associated with happiness.

So if you’re feeling down, try exercising your joy muscles by

  • Laughing

  • Smiling

  • Singing

  • Dancing

  • Enjoying Eye-Candy

Each joy exercise listed above is like a prescription for releasing those chemicals into your central nervous system, which consists of your brain and spinal cord.

That, in turn, will boost your levels of endorphins into the body.

These naturally occurring opioids are the body’s own painkillers.

They work in conjunction with neurotransmitters to induce relief, happiness, or even euphoria when the body is in pain or overexerted.

Fake It Till You Feel It

So, when something you perceive as “happy” happens, your brain receives the signal to release these chemicals into your body, boosting your immune system and relieving stress.

Long term, with more joy, your body will age slower. Studies also show that those who feel better with a joyful attitude are more likely to go for walks and choose to eat better, thus promoting a healthier lifestyle.

The good news is you don’t have to feel joyful to get these benefits. Smiling can trick your brain into elevating your mood, lowering your heart rate, and reducing your stress.

The smile doesn’t have to be based on real emotion because faking it works as well.

Likewise, looking at art or noticing a beautiful sunset (eye-candy), or something as simple as hugging lifts the mood and releases the needed dopamine and serotonin. 

Joy Goals for 2021

The New Year is the perfect time to set new goals.

So, why not make Joy a goal for 2021? Determine to laugh more, share more smiles, turn up the radio and sing out loud.

Dance your way through making dinner and take in the beauty in the world around you.

You may be surprised how much healthier you will be this time next year simply by adding joy to your exercise routine. 

 

What makes you laugh? Smile? Add more of those things to your day.

Try singing in the car, singing or dancing while you clean, or singing while you garden.

Make a game out of looking for beautiful things—how many can you count today?


Brain Science, EverydayCheri CowellComment