Studies have shown such wonderful health and stress relief benefits for laughter. Play has even been scientifically proven to be good for the brain. Grizzly bears that play the most survive longest. Rats that socialize more with other rats develop bigger, more complex brains. And play stimulates nerve growth in the portions of the brain that process emotions and executive function. And according to the Economic Determinants of Happiness: Evidence from the US General Social Survey, healthy people are about 20 percent happier than average while unhealthy people are about 8.25 percent more unhappy.

So there are health benefits to happiness and happiness makes you healthier. A beautiful, flowing circular image comes to mind- with one influencing the other and vice versa. The happier we are, the healthier we become. The healthier we become, the happier this makes us. The circle of life.

You might be asking yourself: “What does this have to do with Living Sublime Wellness and our health and wellness articles?” I’m so pleased that you did! This month the Living Sublime Wellness theme is very, very simple. It is FUN!

This month we will be speaking to, workshop-ing on, and writing about having more fun in our busy lives. Fun is one of my favorite topics! I’ll never forget a work event I was hosting at my house back in 2009. The nurses from my unit were all over for a monthly “fun” night. One of the nurses was talking about “fun-loving” people. And I shouted out: “Well, I for SURE am fun-loving!”

I really love to smile, laugh, feel good, and have a nice time. I like to party and dance. When I really was in the throes of my drinking days… I was always, ALWAYS the hostess! People would come to MY house for every event: Super Bowl parties, St. Patty’s day, Cinco de Mayo, July 4^th… you name it!

I no longer drink the way that I used to, but I sure do still love to have a good time. And when we speak to “fun” this month in the articles, workshops, and posts- we won’t just be talking about partying. Some of the things you can expect in this month’s content include:

• How laughter is good for our health
• The ways to de-stress and have a good time, healthily
• Rest periods, taking breaks, and down time
• Rewarding yourself for accomplishing your goals and celebrating your successes
• Really feeling the benefits of your “hard work”
• And so much more!

So stay tuned for the month of October as we have a really great time together. Get ready to laugh, smile, and play. And I have to make mention of this here- my uncle who passed away in 2010 from suicide had THE BEST smile. I am so honored to share that I recently received a compliment on my own smile. And I thought to myself, “Well, I sure am Billy’s niece!… Thanks Bill. I love you.”

Get ready to let loose, boogie down, and enjoy yourself this month. Be prepared to rest, relax, and recharge. Make way for rewards, reworked routines, and rejuvenation! And guess what?? It’s somebody’s birthday this month! Let the fun begin!

Start thinking about how you relate to fun. Do you let yourself smile? How do you like to unwind or relax? Is the “rest” and “reward” muscle strong within your body- or does it need some fine-tuning?