Rule 9Embrace Joy

Taking time to laugh, share closeness with those we love and express our joy at life's pleasures has concrete, positive effects on our health. When a mother gazes at her infant, there is a surge of activity in an area of her brain called the frontal cortex. Positive emotions help exercisers recover their normal heart rate more quickly after working out. Researchers find higher blood levels of immune factors in people who have had a good laugh. The body of research is growing, but does anyone really need to be convinced that expressing joy is inherently positive? We all feel better when we slow down and savor the best things in life.