FAKE A LAUGH
‘Laughter is a great way of letting go,’ says cognitive behavioural psychotherapist Jen Wood. ‘It increases blood circulation and relaxes the muscles, as well as promoting a sense of connection with others. The effect works even when we don’t feel like laughing and have to fake it, as our brains can’t tell the difference. The same goes for smiling – if you put a pencil between your teeth, it activates facial muscles that trigger the release of oxytocin (aka the love hormone).’