A celebration is a special enjoyable event that people organize because something pleasant has happened or because it's someone’s birthday or anniversary. The celebration of something or someone is an expression of praise and appreciation either in a party atmosphere or with a small gesture of love.
When we celebrate events like birthdays, anniversaries, or the fourth of July, either in group settings or one-on-one, your brain loves it! It fires off feel-good chemicals (dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin), and endorphins, like fireworks! It lowers damaging levels of cortisol and calms your amygdala.
Researchers have found that by having positive conversations during times of celebration, you trigger the basal ganglia system that releases the neurotransmitter dopamine. The scientific benefits of stress reduction through celebration are well-documented and include improved cognitive performance,
better physical health, and reduced burnout. Research has shown that a positive attitude and a genuine feeling of gratitude can improve overall well-being, increase resilience, strengthen social relationships, and reduce stress and depression.
You can adopt a new habit faster and more reliable by celebrating at three different times; the moment you remember to do the habit, when you are doing the habit, and immediately after doing the habit and your celebration does not have to be something you say out loud of even physically express. It can be a
personal quiet celebration and still have powerful effects.
Celebration helps calm the fight or flight mode and brings peace and joy into our lives.
So this month be sure to party, celebrate and play and help yourself to some feel-good feelings. Be sure to celebrate your own personal successes, the people around you, and the things that you are grateful for.
On July 10th, here at IHA we are celebrating our 20th anniversary for CHILDREN’S CLINIC and helping children embrace emotional health concepts. Join us in celebrating our youth by registering for our Children’s Clinic today. It’s a way to help our children learn that they CAN do something good with their heavy feelings.
Remember to celebrate the big things and celebrate the little things, celebrate the messy mess as well as those accomplishments that help mark personal progress. Be sure to celebrate the accomplishments of others. Celebrate those that have gone on before us and our children and our children’s children. Let the celebrations of today illuminate those beautiful events we get to celebrate in the future.
Happy Celebrating!
Pam