When we see people laugh, and laugh consistently, some would think they are happy and do not have any problems at all despite this raging pandemic. They must really have a positive outlook to be able to display a joyful demeanor.
But for some people, they may use laughter to hide what they truly feel inside as they may be sad or stressed.
To attain overall health and well-being, some experts said we should fill our lives with joyfulness to lead a better quality of life, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and financially to complete our holistic health and well-being.
This is why FWD Life Insurance gathered specialists and professionals for them to share their thoughts on “Joyfulness is the Best Medicine,” and how it relates to holistic health and well-being.
Scientific connection
Acclaimed physician Dr. Geraldine “Ging” Zamora from the UP College of Medicine and a Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee in 2016 and one of The Outstanding Women for the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) in 2019, said that there is a scientific connection between joyfulness and overall health. She said there is a science behind the saying that happy people live longer, where being joyful can have a positive impact on one’s health like improved immune system, lowered risk of cardiovascular disease, and others.
“This is why choosing to be in a state of joy is an important exercise we must strive to do every day,” said Dr. Zamora.
She said that in life, there are many sources of stress, and it is not just financial. They may be chronic life events, job stress, hostility, retirement, relocation, even pregnancy and isolation and of course, Covid-19, which has become a major source of stress for many.
“What is important is how we cope with stress by identifying them. We can also observe proper diet, stop smoking, exercise regularly, examine values and live by them and it is also important to get enough sleep and relaxation,” Dr. Zamora said.
Connect
There is also the need to connect, like talking to loved ones, even virtually, for our own and other people’s sake. “With this period of physical distancing, we don’t want our parents and loved ones to feel alone.”
People can also learn to disconnect, like in social media, where people can practice social media distancing once in a while. “It’s good that once in a while, we don’t feel stressed with the social media rants, the negative news and others that may affect us psychologically, especially on Covid-19 related news.”
Practice also eating together with the family to solidify the bonding amid the challenges, or even moving together via physical activities done together as a family, or even pray together to strengthen everyone’s spirituality. “If we want to get the best out of life and celebrate living, then we must take care of our well-being,” Dr. Zamora explained.
Best medicine
Dr. Shake Hocson, who is a former president of the Philippine Guidance and Counselling Association (PGCA), author, educator, trainer and radio host, among others, emphasized the effect of joyfulness in an individual’s mental, emotional and social state, saying that “joyfulness is the best medicine because it is the true and pure delight of your heart and soul that transcends regardless of the person and condition.”
She also provided several steps in achieving joyfulness, like discovering our mental, emotional and social well-being strengths as she pointed to the Nine Building Blocks of Wellbeing and Positive Functioning or the “PERMA+4”: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, including Physical Health, Positive Mindset, Environment, and Economic Security.
Another step is to change and develop the mindset, plus to cultivate and nourish the mental, emotional and social well-being strengths for a joyful life.
As for fitness consultant and coach Jim Saret, who is also a training director of the Philippine Olympic Committee, he said various studies prove that joyfulness can influence a person’s health habits, “Studies show that joyful people are more likely to exercise, eat healthy food, sleep better and avoid smoking. If you have a good sense of well-being, it’s easier to maintain good habits: exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.”
Physical activity
He said physical activity helps the body release what he called “exercise” hormones such as endorphins, also known as the “happy hormones,” serotonin, which provide for better sleep and lets people feel happier and joyful; dopamine, which helps motivate people to do what makes them feel good; and testosterone that helps boost metabolism and muscle growth and avoids depression and obesity.
For Roche Vandenberghe, vice president and marketing head of FWD Life Insurance, she pointed out that financial fitness is also an important part of holistic health and well-being.
“There is joy in knowing you have yourself and your family’s future protected with insurance. Our commitment is to provide health protection plans that go beyond illness coverage with built-in benefits that encourage health and well-being so they can do more and celebrate living with utmost joy,” she said.