4 Ways to Boost Your Health on the Sofa
Do you have couch-potato syndrome? In general, overstaying on the sofa might not be good for you. But with the following health tips will help you convert ‘couch-potato time’ into a healthy and mind-empowering moment!
Meditate on the couch
Meditation is perhaps the most powerful mental exercise in the world. You don’t need a huge space or any equipment to get started. Your soft, comfy couch will do! In a recent study published in the journal Cognitive, Affective and Behavioural Neuroscience, researchers found that meditating even for just a short period of time every day can improve a person’s ability to concentrate and efficiently switch their attention between different tasks. In another study by US psychologist Fadel Zeidan, it was found that just 20 minutes of meditation improves memory, visual-spatial attention, verbal fluency, attention, and awareness.
Have fun!
Feeling low? Sit on your sofa and watch comedy films! Indeed, laughter is the best medicine. Numerous studies show that having a good laugh boosts your immune system, lowers down stress levels, and increase your sense of well-being. In his study, Dr Lee Berk from Loma Linda University in California found that enjoying a good giggle fights stress by reducing the levels of cortisol and adrenaline – two major stress hormones that prevent the body’s production of disease-fighting antibodies. Berk also found that just the mere anticipation of watching something funny increases the beta-endorphin levels in the body by 27% and the human growth hormone by 87%.
How about horror movies? Experts suggest it can be good for you too – in terms of weight loss! In one study, researchers found that watching just one grossing movie helps you burn up to 113 calories.
Listen to the music
Don’t feel like watching movies? Turn on your iPod! You know that exercising while listening to your favourite music boosts your workout performance. But did you know that music enjoyed on the sofa does have health benefits too? Research shows that listening to the tunes you like can significantly improve your well-being and mental health. Want to take a nap but couldn’t? Turn on your music player and find you way to a restful slumber!
In another study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, it was found that listening to a band you love stimulates your brain to release dopamine – the ‘feel-good’ chemicals that are associated with a lower risk of depression. But make sure you are listening to the music you truly love. Otherwise, you are less likely to reap its benefits.
Dear Readers,
Do you have other ‘health tips on a sofa’ to share?
Post your comment below!
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