As we head into the South African Holiday Season we are all looking forward to much-needed rest and time-out.
During this time it is vital for us to recharge our depleted batteries and top-up the feel-good hormones!
Did you know that PLAY can do this for you?
And you don't have to be a child to engage in play, all of us can do it.
PLAY not only builds fun-filled family memories, but it also has the potential to heal us from within through connection with others.
ENDORPHINS
Through vigorous, active play, then, you can boost your self-esteem and even trigger a euphoric outlook on life.
OXYTOCIN
Also known as the “love hormone”, the “hug hormone” or the “touch hormone”, oxytocin is a powerful brain neurotransmitter that helps you build more powerful relationships with others.
Physical touch or even just recognising a familiar face in a crowd can boost oxytocin production.
SEROTONIN
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that impacts your mood, ability to sleep, memory and learning.
By engaging in play you can balance your body’s serotonin levels in a natural way that helps to protect you from the impact of stress and negative stimuli in your environment.
DOPAMINE Dopamine, usually referred to as the “reward drug” is a powerful feel-good hormone that provides a boost of pleasure and contributes to happiness, enhanced cognitive ability and improved ability to learn and pay attention.
The bigger picture, though, is that any form of play can act as a strong reward mechanism for the brain. The more you play, the more you want to play, creating a strong positive feedback mechanism for changing your life.
So this holiday season, whether we are all staying home or able to get a change of scenery, remember to PLAY and boost those HAPPY HORMONES!
