Your Body On Holiday Traditions!

Hi all!! HAPPY Wednesday!!
How r u?! How's your day going so far?! It's starting to feel AAAAA LOT like Christmas at our house!! My kids are on winter break, my shopping is done, the baking is done, the house smells like pine, festive music and movies are playing nonstop, the gifts will all be wrapped by tonight, and I'm even getting in some cardio and strength training! Ho! Ho!! Ho!!! :D  

Today's post is Holiday-ish...lol! Your body on...Holiday Traditions!! It's time to give the following Traditions a new name...Health Boosters :D KEEP READING and find out what exactly happens when you...

BAKE SOME GOODNESS
As the scent of fresh cookies wafts through your nose to your brain, it stimulates the areas in charge of memory and emotion. Your body reacts exactly as if you were back in Grandma's kitchen, with a surge of relaxation even sweeter than those chocolate chips!

ROAST CHESTNUTS ON AN OPEN FIRE
Or, you know, just flip the switch on the gas fireplace...lol! While sitting by a roaring hearth, you perceive the people around you as friendlier and kinder. Soaking in the heat can also make you feel more generous :D

PUT THAT HOLIDAY FLICK ON REPEAT
Have your Ho Ho Ho's with some Ha Ha Ha's. Cracking up at these comedies, even if you've seen them a million times, prompts your brain to churn out endorphins. Yeap, the same ones you get from an awesome workout, with the same major pain-relieving properties!

CHANNEL CLARK GRISWOLD
The guy had the right idea with his zillion twinkly lights. Busting out the roof/mantel/tree decorations triggers mind-body reactions that help you feel less lonely and more optimistic. The resulting positive attitude has been linked to stronger heart health :)

EXCHANGE PRESENTS
No need to go rogue with unexpected gifts. Giving mother-in-law exactly what she asked for, no matter how lame it might seem, will make her feel heard and appreciated. That, in turn, will nurture your bond. Everyone wins :D

CRANK UP THE CAROLS
Baby, it's cold outside...but corny holiday tunes (yes, please) can warm your brain. Specifically, by igniting the parts that control language, which gives your cognitive skills a bump. The perks keep coming if you sing out the music yourself. Studies show singing can help strengthen your immune system, and that's always clutch during cold season!

If you have ANY comments on this post, I'd LUV to hear from you :)
Since Christmas is on Fridayyyyy, my next post will be on Monday, December 28th!
See you right back here soon!!
Have a MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!