Global Belly Laughing Day

Did you miss it too? January 24 was Global Belly Laughing Day. I am putting this on my calendar for next year.

The physiological benefits of laughter are many. Having a good laugh releases endorphins, boosts energy and lowers stress hormones.

Here at Hosmer, we have been hit by a run of fevers. Are you looking for ways to strengthen your immune system? Have a good laugh to release the neurotransmitters that ensure your body's healing mechanisms are working. Our school nurse, Joanne, has been working hard lately. Make her job easier. Start each day by getting your students to chuckle.

Meanwhile, I am practicing for the big day next year.
Smiling Sun drawn by Jennifer Huber

Sleep, Perchance to Dream...and Remember!

In his Science News Online article titled "Certain memories may rest on a good sleep", Bruce Bower reports on the need for sleep to consolidate procedural memory.

When practicing a musical piece, a gymnastics move, or any other activity that depends on effortless, virtually automatic execution, here's some memory-enhancing advice: If you snooze, you cruise.

Procedural memory in school might take the form of learning cursive writing, tackling the steps of long division, or mastering a new musical piece on your recorder. It includes any number of things that involve remembering how to do things with your hands: tying shoes, knitting/crocheting and folding origami.

Mel Levine has long stressed that what you study right before going to sleep actually gets replayed several times while you are snoozing. Why not give it a try..at least don't keep yourself up worrying about it!

Warning to students: Do not try this at school...your teacher will not buy the excuse "I was consolidating my long division skills!"

photo by umjanedoan

occupational therapy connection - health and wellness

Get Happy in the Next Hour

Gretchen Rubin has a blog, The Happiness Project, which is the title of her upcoming book dealing with the challenges of being happy. In her most recent post, she talks about seven tips for making yourself happier IN THE NEXT HOUR. They are well worth trying. I especially like the first tip, "Boost Your Energy". She states

...when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information.

This is why recess is so important. It gives kids a boost that carries them through the rest of the day, better prepared for learning.

On the Hosmer student blog, Work With Wings, one student describes how he starts his day. I would say he walks to class a bit happier!

Thank you to Joe Shlabotnik for his photo shared on Flickr.

Daylight is Back!

Another hour of light graces us in the evening. The days are getting longer.

Exposure to light is known to enhance both alertness and performance in humans. I know I feel better!