Boost your calm with “lemonading”—the trick you’re missing out on!
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Stress is a part of life, but what if you could turn it into something positive? A new approach called “lemonading” promises to change the way you handle pressure.
Could this be the secret to a calmer, happier you?
A recent study spearheaded by Xiangyou “Sharon” Shen of Oregon State University has brought to light the power of playfulness in building resilience.
The study, which surveyed 503 US adults during the challenging times of the second COVID-19 pandemic wave, sought to understand the relationship between a playful approach to life and the ability to cope with stress and uncertainty.
Participants were asked to share their thoughts on a range of topics, from their perceived risk of infection to their emotional and behavioral responses to the pandemic.
They also rated their level of playfulness and shared insights into their spontaneity, inhibition, and motivation to seek out fun.
The findings were as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot day.
Those who scored high on the playfulness scale exhibited a more optimistic outlook on the future, including confidence in a successful vaccine rollout and a return to normalcy.
Yet, they remained grounded in reality, not underestimating the risks of COVID-19 or overestimating the effectiveness of protective measures.
Shen's research revealed that the most playful individuals didn't just sit back and wait for the storm to pass; they actively sought out silver linings.
They viewed challenges as opportunities for growth and maintained a sense of control over their responses.
This ability to positively reframe situations, to shine a light on potential paths forward even in the darkest of times, is at the heart of “lemonading.”
The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, underscores the importance of playfulness as a tool for maintaining well-being, especially during tough times.
Chronic stress, a significant public health concern in the US, contributes to a host of issues, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.
“Lemonading” could be a key ingredient in the recipe for a healthier, happier life.
So, how can you infuse your life with a dash of playfulness? Shen offers several suggestions to help you embrace a more playful approach:
1. Engage in activities that ignite joy and spark curiosity.
2. Be open to new experiences and shake up your routine.
3. Create space for spontaneous, unstructured fun.
4. Surround yourself with people who bring laughter into your life.
5. Approach everyday moments with a sense of fun, openness, and flexibility.
6. Allow yourself to be silly and humorous when it feels right.
7. Dedicate a few minutes each day to play, whether alone or with others.
8. Focus on being fully engaged, rather than just going through the motions.
As we navigate the complexities of life, it's easy to overlook the value of playfulness. Yet, as Shen's study suggests, it's a resource that can significantly enhance our well-being.
Remember, when life gives you lemons, don't just make lemonade—make it a game, make it a laugh, make it a moment of connection.
That's the essence of “lemonading,” and it just might be the zest you need to tackle stress head-on. Cheers to a more playful, resilient you!
We'd love to hear from you! Have you tried incorporating more playfulness into your daily routine? What activities bring you the most joy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's inspire each other to squeeze the best out of life, one lemon at a time.
Could this be the secret to a calmer, happier you?
A recent study spearheaded by Xiangyou “Sharon” Shen of Oregon State University has brought to light the power of playfulness in building resilience.
The study, which surveyed 503 US adults during the challenging times of the second COVID-19 pandemic wave, sought to understand the relationship between a playful approach to life and the ability to cope with stress and uncertainty.
Participants were asked to share their thoughts on a range of topics, from their perceived risk of infection to their emotional and behavioral responses to the pandemic.
A study found that playful individuals maintained a sense of control over their responses to stress. Image source: Dana Tentis/Pexels.
They also rated their level of playfulness and shared insights into their spontaneity, inhibition, and motivation to seek out fun.
The findings were as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot day.
Those who scored high on the playfulness scale exhibited a more optimistic outlook on the future, including confidence in a successful vaccine rollout and a return to normalcy.
Yet, they remained grounded in reality, not underestimating the risks of COVID-19 or overestimating the effectiveness of protective measures.
Shen's research revealed that the most playful individuals didn't just sit back and wait for the storm to pass; they actively sought out silver linings.
They viewed challenges as opportunities for growth and maintained a sense of control over their responses.
This ability to positively reframe situations, to shine a light on potential paths forward even in the darkest of times, is at the heart of “lemonading.”
The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, underscores the importance of playfulness as a tool for maintaining well-being, especially during tough times.
Chronic stress, a significant public health concern in the US, contributes to a host of issues, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.
“Lemonading” could be a key ingredient in the recipe for a healthier, happier life.
So, how can you infuse your life with a dash of playfulness? Shen offers several suggestions to help you embrace a more playful approach:
1. Engage in activities that ignite joy and spark curiosity.
2. Be open to new experiences and shake up your routine.
3. Create space for spontaneous, unstructured fun.
4. Surround yourself with people who bring laughter into your life.
5. Approach everyday moments with a sense of fun, openness, and flexibility.
6. Allow yourself to be silly and humorous when it feels right.
7. Dedicate a few minutes each day to play, whether alone or with others.
8. Focus on being fully engaged, rather than just going through the motions.
Playfulness can be cultivated by engaging in activities that spark joy. Image source: SHVETS Production/Pexels.
As we navigate the complexities of life, it's easy to overlook the value of playfulness. Yet, as Shen's study suggests, it's a resource that can significantly enhance our well-being.
Remember, when life gives you lemons, don't just make lemonade—make it a game, make it a laugh, make it a moment of connection.
That's the essence of “lemonading,” and it just might be the zest you need to tackle stress head-on. Cheers to a more playful, resilient you!
