Social Science
As well as providing much-needed social interaction, laughing with friends will actually help you through your Fast Day and there’s a scientific reason behind it! Studies have shown that social laughter releases endorphins, which not only make us feel happy, but raises our ability to endure pain and discomfort, such as hunger[1]. And, as you’re 30 times more likely to laugh with friends than when you’re alone, it’s even more important to schedule in quality social time. As well as chemically helping you to endure hunger, hanging out and laughing with friends is also a welcome distraction that will help your Fast Day fly by!
Make a Date
Remember when you were a kid and your mum would set up your play dates? Hanging out with your buddies was so effortless then – it just happened all the time! But think about it; those mums were frantically scheduling, carving out time, and moving their own appointments around just to make sure you enjoyed yourself with your pals. In our busy lives, socialising is something that sadly doesn’t happen too organically – it has to be a conscious effort (otherwise you’ll end up eating dinner for one and binge watching Grey’s Anatomy again). Start up an email chain, Facebook group or just do an old fashioned call-around and set up dates with your mates regularly. The more you enjoy your life and your SFD journey, the more likely you are to stick to it (and compared to trying to find a day when all of your busy friends are free, fasting is a piece of cake!).
Find Your Own Fun
When you can’t seem to lock anyone in to hang out with, you can still find fun in doing your own thing. Write a list of activities you enjoy and whenever you find yourself with nothing to do, work through your list. Better yet, dedicate time to those activities that bring you happiness. Whether you’re by yourself or with mates, when you’re happy you’re less likely to seek comfort in food as you become more focused on achievement. So if you’re not taking life too seriously and are managing to having loads of fun while on SFD, you’re more likely to succeed!
You’re Doing It Right!
Just as laughing is hard to stop once you’ve started, so too is success. Think of success as a happy pill; the more you achieve, the more you recognise your achievements and the more likely you are to achieve more. Laughter, happiness and success all go hand in hand – so gather your mates around for a good old chin wag and use the power of laughter to literally laugh your asses off!
[1] Welsh, J., Why Laughter May Be the Best Pain Medicine: Laughter with friends releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. Scientific American, 2011.
Feeling like a good laugh? Hop into the Members Facebook page and take the time to have a chat, share a story or post a funny quote. We love a laugh and being part of the community will help keep you on the fast track to success.