The stress of life can take its toll on your mental health and wellbeing, but, in the words of Jiminy Cricket, all you have to do is give a little whistle. Lauren Miller, a stress expert from Littleton, Colorado, explains, ‘It’s considered deviant behaviour, but it’s a natural behaviour. When I’m whistling, I am not worrying. I’m refreshed.’ She adds that humming, singing, or laughing also improves your emotional wellness, and keeps stress at bay. ‘Joy can have its way with you,’ she says.
Instead of talking about a work-life balance, Miller discusses the merits of a work-play balance. ‘When there’s a balance between work and play, you get more done,’ she asserts. ‘Give yourself permission to make this choice for balance.’ Miller advises that you need some form of play every 90 minutes, even if it’s just for 60 seconds. In her recent book, Five Minutes To Stress Relief, she offers many “Grab and Go” stress relief tips – such as whistling, singing, laughing and a quick meditation.
However, it’s not just having such moments, but treasuring them and reliving them that can help you to de-stress. Miller notes, ‘I can close my eyes and remember the sunset I watched last night. What did it feel like? What did I become? You are reprogramming yourself into sensory peace. It takes only a few minutes to do that.’ She explains that you can summon up good memories and regain that feeling you had during the experience itself, as your subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality.
Miller managed to keep her positive attitude while simultaneously going through a divorce and a struggle with cancer. She insists, ‘Don’t let your thoughts define you. You can define your thoughts. When you think positive, happy thoughts you are happy and it goes to your cells. Your environment can determine the health of your cells.’ Part of Miller’s positivity comes from a prayer she repeats several times a day for God to release her from the desire to be liked. She urges, ‘Give yourself permission to be who you are without judgment. This simple gift can bring so much to the body.’
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