Some amazing research is coming out of the University of Colorado Boulder. They are finding that pleasant warmth ( not uncomfortably hot) has an antidepressant effect on the body. It is not completely understood at this point. But it appears that when the skin is warm, the electrical signals increase to sensory neurons. These communicate to the spinal cord and then the brain that the body is experiencing a pleasant full body experience. Oxytocin increases and cortisol decreases, developing a full body system content feeling.   

So get some warmth today! Lay in the sun for a bit, soak in a bathtub, get a full warm hug from a friend, hang out in a hot tube, or snuggling with your spouse or kids are a few ideas. And if you would like to read one of the many studies demonstrating these results- here you go! It’s a good read!

My insights: I enjoy all the above ‘warming activities’. Nature always seems to help the happy for me- along with some sunshine warmth.

In the world: Get a warming buddy! Sometimes when we are sad or depressed it is very hard to get going and out of the house. So invite someone out on your warming adventure.

I would love to see who is going on this journey alongside me- so use the hashtag #30daysofMagic, tag me with @jessietherapy (facebook or instagram) , or message me so I can share your experience too.

See you in the blooms Friends!

– Jessie the Therapist

Photo by: Ryan Christodoulou; Unsplash