- Research shows even two minutes of silence a few times per day helps to shift the brain and body into parasympathetic mode (rest and digest). Research also indicates that silence is preferable to calming music. This has been measured via blood pressure and cerebral blood flow.
- Consider taking a two-minute silence break and either closing your eyes or staring at something simple (e.g. a dot on a piece of paper) a few times during your work day, as needed between projects, lectures, etc. Interestingly, historical medical research indicates there is a reason "cavemen" stared into fires at night; it was considered meditative and helped to rest and reset their brains after a day of hunting and gathering.
- A walk or sitting in nature, or inside with live plants, decreased clutter, and no distraction of cell phones also seems to promote a parasympathetic response.
- Consider using a meditation app. If you need suggestions, email Dr. Van Buren for ideas.
Laughter, humor and smiling
Health Benefits
Improves mood, lowers blood pressure, makes it easier to cope with social anxiety, boosts creativity and productivity.
Laugh
Challenge: Infuse humor a little throughout the day. This will boost your mood as well as that of your colleagues.
Smile
Did you know smiling "for no reason" for just 15 to 20 seconds causes the brain to release positive, feel-good hormones that improve your mood and outlook?
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