Fun and positivity! Burnout series - post 7

FUN AND POSITIVITY Having fun increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates many of our most basic processes including sleep patterns, memory, body temperature, and mood. Doing activities you enjoy that help you relax and connect with others naturally increases the body’s serotonin levels. Having fun also reduces cortisol levels. The stress or fight/ flight hormone, Cortisol, spikes when we are stressed. At low levels of stress, when there’s nothing to fight or flee, cortisol can cause weight gain and can inhibit the body’s ability to fight off infection and heal itself. The reduction of cortisol levels and increase of serotonin levels can also improve concentration and reduce brain fog. Forming meaningful connections with others is another and possibly one of the most significant health benefits of having fun. Taking time to enjoy activities and conversations with friends gives us a sense of connection, usefulness, and meaning that can be more powerful than any prescription or medical intervention. Brene Brown, who specialises in human connection, says, “As psychologists from Maslow to Baumeister have repeatedly stressed, the truth of the matter is that a sense of social connection is one of our fundamental human needs.” Spending time having fun, laughing, playing, relaxing and doing things that make you smile can also improve sleep as they reduce cortisol levels, likewise keeping calm and relaxed before bed rather than being stimulated by your phone, work or TV can improve sleep. The American Psychological Association finds that people with lower stress levels are much more likely to report “very good” or “excellent” quality sleep (33% compared to 8%).