Body

Good Life Lab Experiment: Cranky Much?

What do we tell our little ones to do when they get cranky and restless? “Go take a nap”. This is perfect advice for the not-so-little ones as well.

Our bodies and minds need rest too. We are overworked or overextended. We feel like we are on go from the moment we wake up until we slink into bed at the end of the day… day in and day out…

We don’t even allow ourselves the pleasure of napping on the weekends due to running errands and shuttling the kids around and making meals, we may not even get a few spare moments to ourselves. The problem isn’t them… it’s YOU.

Start setting boundaries and realize “you are not superman (or superwoman)”. Not being fully rested can and does affect your quality of life and your relationships. Wouldn’t you like to enjoy your children more, your significant other more, have more fun, laugh more, dance more, and not feel so frazzled? Then take a nap already.

Science has shown that a power nap will do wonders for you, but if you can’t nap during the week, try and nap on weekends…. or at least power down with a 15-20 minutes no stimulus power break (no tv on in background, music and even thoughts).

Breathe, enjoy the quiet, smile, try to feel every single body part, day dream. Let your body and mind settle down in its natural rhythm. After a few naps or power down moments… see if you don’t feel better equipped to take on your full days with more vigor and peace.

Good Life Lab Experiment: Dance Dance Revolution

Whether you’re a good dance or bad dancer… dancing has been shown to lower stress levels. How cool is that!

You don’t have to go to the new swanky club at 2 in the morning to get the best benefits of dancing… dance in the comfort of your own home! When was the last time, you cranked up your favorite songs and kicked the coffee table off to the side and just danced. Jammin’ to the beat! If you can’t remember… then go do it NOW!

You may feel silly at first, but don’t let that hinder you. Try dancing with your friends and family too. Let them in on the fun.

It’s OK to let loose and get silly and shake what yo momma gave ya! It’s also OK to sing along too. At the end of your dance marathon, rate how you feel? Are you smiling? Laughing? Out of breath? Fond memories take you back? Are you reporting that you had fun? Hooray! My advice, do it again… and often.

Wanna take it up a notch? Why not have a family talent show? Choreograph a routine with the kids and friends and family.

Make it as big or as little as you like. Invite others to play or just the immediate family.  And have a dance off and even a soul train line! If you got grandparents far away, try recording the routine and posting it on youtube for family and friends to see.

They will get a kick out of it! Just remember to disable comments (internet trolls like to sh*t on other people’s fun, cause they SUCK) and smile. These are the moments that make up a good life!