I have a friend who is easing into retirement. Recently she told me with a slight laugh of unease that she is in funemployment. This is a woman who worked her whole life at the leading edges of international development, technology, and impact. She was also raising twins and sustaining a loving marriage. From time to time, she even threw in a couple of half-marathons. I mean, this friend has been a Superwoman for a long time.
How does someone like that disconnect from those roles and retool her life? It may take a little time to develop the new shape, size, and scope of her third chapter. I have no doubt she will, because she has a key asset to help her—a strong sense of humor. Humor is fundamental to our mental and physical health. (See what I just did there?) The science of studying the effects of laughter and humor on the brain and body is called gelotology. Research and scientific articles point to the way that humor lightens our burdens, inspires hope, connects us to others, and keeps us focused and alert. Humor is a great way to release anger, too. Moreover, humor aids creative thinking which enables us to take on problems and challenges in ways that we wouldn’t have otherwise found if we had just “thought about it.”
Humor not only improves cognitive functions, there is an increasingly strong link to its role in strengthening our physical wellbeing. This is particularly important for us who are older and are seeking to ensure optimal strength in our physical health to ensure meaningful, joyful elderhood. According to the National Institutes of Health, laughter induces a range of positive physiological impacts: releases various neurochemicals, such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin which contribute to mood enhancement and pain relief; stimulates activation of the parasympathetic nervous system which leads to reduced heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and enhances relaxation; and promotes an increase in oxygen intake which improves over circulation and better physical health.
Moving from a Superwoman schedule to funemployment also gives my friend time to explore new activities that bring her joy and step away from some that may have been necessary but less bliss-generating. For women unaccustomed to having free time, this can feel discombobulating, leaving women stuck or stalled. Some women feel like they lose their purpose without a million and one things on their to-do-today lists. Others feel unwanted or irrelevant because the world isn’t asking them to contribute the way they may have for a long, long time. These are uncomfortable feelings.
One thing we explore in Conscious Croning is to identify what puts a little pep in your step. It might be something you never had time for. It may be something you never considered, but it now seems enticing. (I became a metal sculptor, who know THAT was in me!?) Put some fun into your third chapter! Grab your gelato and join me at Wondercrone.com
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