Stop Multitasking and Play!
Expert says play is key to your health and slows aging

Playing isn't just for kids anymore. Emerging research tells us that play can rewire the brain, help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and memory loss and even decreases chronic pain. When you play and laugh, it can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones.

With more than 76% of Americans indicating that they experience "great stress" at least one full day during the week, play needs to be an important part of an established health routine.

October is "Stress Prevention Month." As we approach the most stressful season of the year, it is a great time to learn how to prevent the dangers of stress by creating play in your hectic life.

Dr. Kathleen Hall offers the following playful tips to help prevent the stress in your life:

•Revive Your Rhythm. Energetic happy music can stimulate physical responses such as increased heart rate and respiration to result in more energy

•Comedy Club. Play CD's, DVD's, or go online to visit to your favorite comedian or funny website. Laughter can increase your artery diameter by 22% and boost your immune system. Do "internal jogging" often.

•Gratitude. Smile at your desk and be grateful for something in your life. It is physiologically impossible to experience stress and gratitude simultaneously.

•Share a Meal. Don't eat alone at your desk. Meet a coworker or friend for lunch and share laughter and stories.

•Reach Out and Touch Someone. Email a friend with a playful email when you are stressed.

•Toy Chest. Keep a drawer or box at work with playful toys and when you get stressed shoot a basket, bounce a ball or play jacks.

•Play an Online Game. Play an online game for a few minutes during your busy day to de-stress and laugh.

Dr. Kathleen Hall has partnered with Pogo, Electronic Arts, to kick off "Take 5 to Play" to bring back the power of play into everyday lives. (www.pogo.com)

Dr. Kathleen Hall, internationally recognized stress/worklife balance expert, founder and C.E.O. of The Stress Institute (www.thestressinstite.com), has been featured on major media including The Today Show, CNN, FOX, ABC News, CBS, Oprah & Friends Radio, Good Morning America Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, Fortune, Forbes, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Money, Business Week, Parents, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, and Woman's Day. She is the author of A Life in Balance, 2007 Nautilus Book Award winner, and Alter Your Life; has a weekly radio show, Live with Dr. Kathleen Hall, in LA on KCAA; and, is a contributing writer for PINK Magazine.