P.E. POST
Month of November 2021
Laughter Lifts You Up and Relieves Stress -- NO JOKE!
As many of you have seen with my occasional "fun" outfits, I am a firm believer in having a good sense of humor and trying to start our students day with a smile. I recently read an article about how a good sense of humor can defuse stress and boost your outlook on your day. In general, we are all happier when we are laughing (even if it includes laughing at what your P.E. teacher is wearing :). Laughter generates a hormone called "oxytocin", which can process feelings of relaxation and trust. Even reflecting on funny things that have happened in your past can make one feel less depressed and less lonely. Think about a time when you or your family were watching a funny movie -- what was the mood of the room? Simple fact: laughing can change your mental health in a positive matter. Laughter gradually makes you more upbeat, less bummed out and improves your focus.
Short-term benefits
A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:
- Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
- Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
- Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Long-term effects
Laughter isn't just a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long term. Laughter may:
- Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
- Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
- Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
- Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your stress, depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your self-esteem.
What do you call a hen looking at a bowl of lettuce?
"Chicken Sees-a-salad"
Hope you will look at laughter as part of your families healthy lifestyle in the future. If not, at least share a chuckle with the "odd" looking P.E. teacher.
:) Mr. Stigler
Information taken from the following web site form the Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
Upcoming Physical Education Units in the Month of November
GRADES THREE - FIVE: intro to fitness word wall (vocabulary), fitness testing and fitness games. Students will be tested on their muscular strength (push-ups / curl-ups), flexibility (sit and reach / trunk lift) and cardiovascular endurance (P.A.C.E.R. running test) - also know as the FITNESSGRAM. We will cover all the vocabulary words words and the definitions to help them better understand the test and what each test is covering. In addition, we will talk about the various muscle groups that are benefiting from performing each exercise. 5th graders will log their scores, set goals for future tests and reflect on essential questions that pertain to their overall fitness levels.
Pictures of Our LEOPARDS in "Action"
2nd Grade Fink working on their dribbling skills while spelling out their "site words". "ALPHABET DRIBBLE"!
4th Grade Moore participating in soccer games to close out our soccer skills unit.
Kindergarten Winters, also working on the "ALPHABET DRIBBLE"!
P.E. Morning Equipment Helpers
Rodrigo and Madalynn finishing with "High Hopes"
2021 5th Grade Cross Country Team
Questions or Comments about your child's P.E. experience?
Please help your Leopard remember their "gym shoes" :)
Thanks for your support!
Yours in Health and Movement - Mr. Stigler
Email: cstigler@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/lowelles
Phone: (262) 970-4214