Play is such a natural process for children, and it is important for you too! You may feel like you don’t have time for play and I hope to convince you otherwise. It is important for all of us and you may not be aware of the physical benefits of play.  There is this wonderful, natural, feel-good hormone called Dopamine. It is released when we laugh, play and interact with each other in a positive way.  And the important thing to remember is that it also kicks in for adults. That is why I have this section on Play which includes family games and activities, funny kid and animal videos. This is where we would like for you to submit games and activities you enjoy as a family. I have a couple of our family favorite as well!

THE POWER OF PLAY

There are many easy and fun ways to get your dose of this natural chemical called Dopamine that occurs when you have...

• A genuine laugh

• A good stretch
• Regular exercise – 30-60 minutes of walking,                                swimming or jogging.
• 7-8 hours of sleep
• Reach a new goal. Even checking items off of the “to do” list will give you a dose of dopamine.

Did you know that just the anticipation of laughing reduces our stress hormones?
The American Physiological Society did a study called, Anticipating A Laugh Reduces Our Stress Hormones, Study Shows. Science Daily. (2008, April 10).

Just Anticipating a Laugh Reduces Our Stress Hormones, Study Shows

In 2006 a group of researchers from Loma Linda University, investigated interaction between the “brain, behavior, and the immune system.”

They learned that “two hormones –beta-endorphins (the family of chemicals that alleviates depression)” increased by 27% and the human growth hormone “(HGH; which helps with immunity)” – increased by 87% “when volunteers anticipated watching a humorous video. There was no such increase among the control group who did not anticipate watching the humor film.”

Two years later, using the same protocol, “research found that the same anticipation of laughter also reduced the levels of three stress hormones.” “Cortisol (termed “the stress hormone”)” decreased by 39%, “epinephrine (also known as adrenaline)” decreased by 70% and “dopac, a dopamine catabolite (brain chemical which helps produce epinephrine)” decreased by 38%.  “(Statistically significant compared to the control group).”  
“Chronically released high stress hormone levels can weaken the immune system.” 
“The anticipation of a humorous laughter experience also reduces potentially detrimental stress hormones.” According to Dr. Lee Berk, “Our findings lead us to believe that by seeking out positive experiences that make us laugh we can do a lot with our physiology to stay well.”

​​Anticipating A Laugh Reduces Our Stress Hormones, Study ShowsApril 10, 2008
Source:
American Physiological Societyhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114617.htm

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