Finding Your Blissors: A Path to Healing
We often focus on diet, exercise, and medical treatments in the journey toward optimal health. While these are undoubtedly crucial, there’s another aspect of healing that is equally important yet often overlooked: joy. As a naturopathic physician, I encourage my patients to discover their “blissors” – those activities that bring them pure, unadulterated joy and bliss.
Blissors are more than just hobbies; they are the moments in life that make your heart sing, bring a smile, and help you reconnect with your innermost self. Whether gardening, painting, dancing or simply spending time in nature, these activities are vital to your well-being.
Engaging in your blissors can have profound effects on your health. Here’s how:
- Stress Reduction: Activities that bring you joy reduce stress, which is a significant contributor to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, depression, and anxiety. When immersed in something you love, your body releases endorphins, the natural feel-good hormones.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Joyful activities can boost your immune system. Studies have shown that positive emotions can increase the production of antibodies and strengthen the activity of natural killer cells, which are essential for combating illnesses.
- Improved Mental Health: Blissors provide a mental escape from the daily grind, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. They offer a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which is essential for mental well-being.
- Better Physical Health: When you engage in activities you love, you’re more likely to be active and energized. This can improve physical fitness, better sleep, and enhanced physical health.
- Emotional Resilience: Regularly engaging in blissors can build emotional resilience, making coping with life’s challenges more manageable. You’re better equipped to handle stress and adversity when you have a lot of joy to draw from.
Being Kind to Yourself
As you discover your blissors, being kind to yourself is essential. Self-kindness is the foundation of holistic healing. It involves recognizing your worth, embracing your imperfections, and allowing yourself the grace to explore and enjoy activities without judgment.
Permit yourself to take time for the things that make you happy. Often, we get caught up in the demands of daily life and need to remember to prioritize our own needs. Remember, taking time for joy is not selfish; it’s necessary to maintain your overall health.
Being kind to yourself also means listening to your body and mind. Pay attention to how you feel during and after engaging in your blissors. Do they leave you feeling rejuvenated and content? If so, you’re on the right path.
To incorporate blissors into your healing journey:
- Start by identifying what truly makes you happy.
- Reflect on activities you lose track of time doing, or that leave you feeling rejuvenated.
- Make a conscious effort to integrate these into your daily or weekly routine.
Remember, healing is not just about eliminating disease but about nurturing a state of holistic well-being. By discovering and prioritizing your blissors and being kind to yourself, you embrace vital components of your health that nurture both body and soul.
Start today. Find your bliss, embrace it, and be kind to yourself as you transform your healing journey.
