Brains, passion, and luck, and why you should laugh more.
All week, I’ve been waiting for my moment of inspiration to write my blog. It usually happens at unexpected times - when I’m driving, when I’m working with a patient, when I’m in the shower. But all I really want to talk about is Redpoint PT’s 6 month anniversary!
6 months! How excited am I?? This dream that I’ve had since I was in my early 20’s, which I held onto all through graduate school, is finally a tangible “thing”! It took a lot to get here. I have mentioned the great support and mentorship available to me on more than one occasion. In addition to that, getting to this stage required:
Brains: 22 years of school from start to finish! With a Doctoral degree under my belt, mixed with some great clinical experience, I felt I had the knowledge and skill set to make it on my own.
Passion: An undying passion for the profession I love! No seriously, I’m completely devoted to helping you achieve your highest level of function! A passion so strong, I was willing to follow my “gut” and take a few leaps when I couldn’t quite see where I would land. A passion that, at times, annoyed my adoringly scientific husband and business partner - a man who would live and die by his spreadsheet - when I would repeatedly say, “I know the numbers don’t quite add up, but I KNOW I can do this!!”
Luck: To have met the amazing and inspiring people over the past couple of years who have been nice enough and smart enough to advise me on a number of things. And to have found a loyal patient-fan base who has followed me around since my first days working on the South Shore, shouting my name from the roof tops.
Extra luck: A perfect storm of timing placed me in the path of Mike Cavanaugh, right when I was considering a jump. As luck would have it, I was able to start up my practice in the most beautiful gym, with the most wonderful and supportive gym staff and the coolest gym members around!
And I can’t stop smiling! :)
Since I’ve been smiling and laughing so much over the past 6 months, and in light of the fact that tomorrow marks the start of “National Tickling Month” (yeah, there’s a month for that. I was surprised, too. Please don’t tickle me. I hate it!), I thought I would list some of the benefits of laughter.
First, I think we all know there are benefits to exercising with friends… for starters, you are more likely to stick with it. But, I bet you didn’t know that the laughter you share with your buddies is actually linked to a higher pain threshold?? That’s right, a little goofing off during your Grit sessions could go a long way.
Laughter yoga originated in Mumbai, India in the mid-90's and has gained popularity around the world since then. Look it up... you'll find classes in Boston!
Laughter has been linked to stress relief in multiple studies. Because you intake more oxygen-rich air, you stimulate multiple organs. You also increase (then lower) your blood pressure, and promote relaxation throughout the rest of your body once you’re done guffawing.
Hard laughter produces similar effects to exercise! However, this doesn't mean you can completely replace your workout with stand up comedy.
A recent study showed improved memory and lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) after just 20 minutes watching funny videos. A small study, but I’d rather giggle than argue.
Lastly, laughter is contagious.
So, in the name of National Tickling Month, start your chuckles!
What's your favorite exercise to do with friends?