Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 8414 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2016 goodADVICE Ihave some amazing news for you! Researchers have discovered that when we feel joy there are some amazing benefits that we never realized. Feeling joy causes a healthy chemical change in our bodies and brains that . . . • Helps prevent illness and keep us young. • Increases our feelings of emotional and physical wellbeing. • Increases our energy level. • Helps build great relationships with others. Who would have thought that to get these incredible benefits, all we need to do is feel JOY - as long - and as often as we can? What’s difficult about that? Who wouldn’t want to feel JOY? The answer to these questions is just one word: STRESS. STRESS IS THE ENEMY OF JOY. Stress causes us to feel unwell, creates disease, sucks our energy, affects our relationships, interferes with our thoughts and our behavior, and makes us go through life tense and anxious. Not a pretty picture, is it? The solution is easier than you think. YOU NEED TO REPLACE STRESS WITH JOY. The truth is that we live in a stressful, pressure-filled world, but fortunately, we can choose how we respond to the stressors in our lives. 3-STEPS TO JOY Indulge me in an exercise – it really does work. Imagine that there is a knob on the side of your head just behind your right eye. This knob has 2 settings and by turning this knob you can change the setting from “Feel Stress” to “Feel JOY.” Stop reading for a moment and think about this: Is my knob set at “Feel Stress” or is it set at “Feel JOY?” If it is set at “Feel JOY” congratulate yourself! If it is set at “Feel Stress,” read on for an amazing 3-step process to reset your mind from stress to joy. 1Place the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of your right hand around this imaginary knob at the side of your right eye. Turn the knob to take it off the STRESS setting and onto the JOY setting. It is important that you actually physically make the turning movement and ‘see’ the words JOY at the new setting. When you have done this, sit upright, smile, and take a long, deep breath. Let yourself feel the impact of performing this seemingly ‘silly’ yet powerful step. 2Now think about a situation that you are dealing with – diet, kids in college, your marriage, parents visiting from out of town…any situation that you were stressing about before you reset the knob. Write, or think about, at least 3 things regarding this situation for which you are deeply grateful despite the challenges of the situation. When you have done this, sit upright, smile, and take a long, deep breath. Recognizing that the challenging situation brings blessings with it, changes your chemistry and allows you to have a sense of JOY. 3Finally, make a more joyful choice about your thoughts and behavior in this situation. Choose thoughts and responses that focus on the aspects of the situation that you are grateful for. For example, tell your teenager the things about him or her that give you joy - instead of focusing on what you want to ‘fix’ (do this in a 5-1 ratio). Practice these 3 steps in every situation that you are stressed about. In just a matter of minutes, you will experience a sense of lightness. You will notice that you really do feel happier and blessed; you really do feel JOY. Editor's Note: Dr. Sandy Gluckman works with parents who have kids age 4-20, helping them eliminate behavioral, emotional, and learning difficulties. Her unique whole-child treatment approach addresses all aspects of a child’s health – spirit, body, and brain. Dr. Sandy enables parents to recognize and encourage the talent and inner strength within every child. GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF Reading this article will make you younger and healthier. I (almost) guarantee it! Joy by Dr. Sandy Gluckman | Contributor FIND JOY AT DR. SANDY’S SEMINAR SERIES 3 Things Your Child Needs Most from You so They Can Behave Positively, Feel Good, Love Life, and Achieve Success. To learn all about this seminar, email Dr. Sandy at sandy@gluckmangroup.com or call 214-682-8980.