Earlier this week, I flew to Manchester with some of my Tap-Dancing tribe to see the original show -biz musical “42nd Street”. Booked earlier in the summer, the ladies and I decided to treat ourselves to a day out, catch the matinee show and fly home that evening.
While I was looking forward to day out immensely, as the day approached, I could think of a few reasons not to go; work- related projects, my children’s activities, “Storm Babet” which had been upgrade to an ‘orange’ weather warning, not to mention my own ‘dancing for charity’ event which takes to the stage in less that 2 weeks (and rehearsals for which are dialling up.) However and thankfully, my instinct to prioritise my own self- care proved to be a winning decision and the experience we shared will remain as one of the most memorable and nourishing days of the year thus far- why?
Embracing a new Opportunity – These ladies and I attend a weekly tap-dancing class which we all delight in, however, outside of this class, we don’t spend time together. When one of the girls suggested this trip, a few of us jumped at it. Being open to new experiences often leads to significant personal growth and happiness.
Therapeutic power of laughter – We ached from laughing. This trip for me validated research I came upon recently stating that “laughter increases the level of antibodies in the body by 20% helping to destroy viruses and tumour cells”[1] . Of course, it’s also a mini work-out (think facial and abdominal muscles), it helps to relieve stress (by decreasing our stress hormone, cortisol and releasing feel good endorphins). Laughter connects us with others and oh! It also burns 1.3 calories per minute!
Social Connection – Mental Health Ireland advocates that connection is one of the 5 ways to wellbeing. They say that “Building stronger, wider social connections can help you to feel happier and more secure, and give a greater sense of purpose.” Sharing this nourishing experience with my fellow tap dancers, fostered a sense of community, belonging, and interpersonal connection, which are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
Exploring a new city – We had time after brunch to do some exploring around Manchester. It was relaxing not to have an ‘agenda’ per se, so we were able to appreciate this new city, new architecture, quirky interiors (check out the picture of the ‘rainbow toilet below!) and the people in this city! This sense of adventure (in the beautiful autumnal sunny weather) stimulates curiosity which boosts our mood and overall wellbeing.
Reprieve from stress and tension – Taking a break from our daily routine and responsibilities can help reduce stress. The change of scenery and the opportunity to disconnect from work and personal pressures was rejuvenating.
As a coach, I know that taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining our wellbeing & productivity but I know from my many clients that including breaks in our lives can be challenging due to the demands placed upon us (and that we place upon ourselves). Taking a break shouldn’t be a luxury; it’s a necessity for our happiness, productivity, and overall well-being. So, take a step towards a healthier, more balanced life by prioritizing breaks for yourself, invite the fun, creativity and laughter in – your future self will thank you!
Gillian McGrath is a Cork based Life & Business coach. For more information, you can contact her directly on gillian@changegrowsucceeed.com
[1] psychofactz.com
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