Tag Archives: stress management

Laugh Your Stress Away: Embracing the Healing Power of a Good Chuckle

April is Stress Awareness Month, and what better way to combat stress than with a good old-fashioned belly laugh? Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of comedy and exploring how laughter can be a game-changer for our mental and emotional well-being.

Picture this: you’re lounging in your comfiest pajamas, scrolling through your favorite funny memes, and suddenly, you burst into laughter. In that moment, something magical happens. Your worries melt away, your mood lifts, and you’re filled with an undeniable sense of joy and lightness. That’s the power of laughter in action.

So, how exactly does laughter work its stress-busting magic? Well, it’s all about those feel-good chemicals called endorphins. When we laugh, our bodies release these natural mood-boosters, sending waves of relaxation and happiness throughout our entire being. It’s like a mini spa day for your mind and body, all wrapped up in a hearty chuckle.

But the benefits of laughter go beyond just feeling good in the moment. Studies have shown that laughter can have long-lasting effects on our health and well-being. It boosts our immune system, lowers blood pressure, and even helps to reduce pain. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others and strengthen relationships—after all, who doesn’t love sharing a good laugh with friends?

So, how can you incorporate more laughter into your daily routine? Well, the possibilities are endless! You could start by tuning in to your favorite comedy podcast while getting ready in the morning, or hosting a virtual movie night with friends and streaming a hilarious comedy classic. And of course, there’s always the tried-and-true method of indulging in a good old-fashioned comedy show while rocking your coziest pajamas.

Speaking of pajamas, did you know that laughter is even more therapeutic when you’re wearing your favorite pair? There’s just something about being wrapped in soft, snuggly fabric that makes every joke a little bit funnier. So go ahead, slip into your most comfortable sleepwear, and let the laughter flow.

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, let’s remember the importance of finding moments of joy and levity, especially during Stress Awareness Month. Whether it’s sharing a funny story with a friend, watching a comedy special, or simply allowing ourselves to laugh freely and unabashedly, let’s embrace the healing power of laughter and let it guide us through even the toughest times.

So here’s to more laughter, more joy, and more pajama-clad moments of pure bliss. Let’s laugh our stress away and make every day a little brighter. After all, life is better when you’re laughing!

Best TV Shows to Binge Watch in 2018

The Best TV Shows to Binge in Your Pajamas

We in the Northeast have endured another blizzard, but more pajama time is A-OK with us! Snow days and quiet Friday nights are perfect for binge-watching gripping television shows in the comfort of your living room. If you tend to binge-watch your television shows, you’re not alone.

It may seem counterintuitive in this age of short, quippy social media posts and funny cat videos, but humans have a psychological urge to watch entire seasons of television from start finish — no matter how dark, twisted, and complicated the storylines. According to Netflix, three out of four viewers watch the entire first season of Breaking Bad in one sitting!

Psychologists believe that we binge-watch because we crave an escape from our busy lives. As it turns out, occasionally binge-watching television shows can help alleviate symptoms of stress. So put on your coziest pair of pajama pants, pop some popcorn, and stream one of these binge-worthy TV shows. Doctor’s orders.

Best Shows to Stream in 2018

Put on your pajama pants and get ready stream.

Top 10 TV Shows to Binge-Watch Right Now

1. The Americans

Nothing is what it seems on The Americans. To their unsuspecting suburban neighbors, Philip and Elizabeth Jennings are the most boring couple you could possibly imagine. But to anyone who gets in their way — including the FBI — these undercover Russian spies are quick, efficient, and deadly. If you like intrigue, action, ‘80s nostalgia, and brutally honest depictions of marriage, you’re going to love The Americans. Stream on Amazon.

2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

If you like to laugh and love a little action, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the breakout hit for you. Starring SNL funnyman Andy Samberg and acting veterans Andre Braugher and Terry Crews, the TV show follows the hijinx of the NYPD’s fictional 99th Precinct. The plot revolves around the professional and personal life of Detective Jake Peralta (Samberg), an immature but talented police officer. Hilarity ensues. Stream on Hulu.

3. Westworld

For the sci-fi fanatics, Westworld is a thriller that takes place in a technologically advanced Wild West-themed amusement park populated by android hosts. Westworld caters to high-paying guests, who may indulge in whatever they wish within the park without retribution from their hosts — including murder. The series begins as a routine update in the hosts’ programming causes unusual deviations in their behavior, concerning park staff. A few of the hosts become sentient and learn the truth about themselves and the world they are forced to live in. Stream on HBO Go.

Jane the Virgin jammies

Gina Rodriguez and Andrea Navedo in pajamas for a scene in ‘Jane the Virgin’

4. Jane the Virgin

Jane the Virgin follows twenty-something Jane Villanueva as she navigates the aftermath of an accidental artificial insemination in her very Catholic household. With plenty of family drama, comedic relief, a steamy love triangle, and crime lord, the telenovela satire packs a lot entertainment into each and every episode. Perfect if you were a fan of the old series Desperate Housewives.

5. Orphan Black

Sci-fi is clearly coming back to mainstream television with shows like Westworld and this hit, Orphan Black. The Canadian series raises questions about the moral and ethical implications of cloning. Con-artist Sarah Manning, one of several identical clones, assumes the identity of one of her fellow matches, police officer Elizabeth Childs, after witnessing her suicide. Viewers can watch the entire plot from start to finish, as all five seasons are now available for streaming. Stream on Amazon.

6. Peaky Blinders

If you enjoyed The Godfather trilogy, know that Peaky Blinders is essentially the British version. Inspired by a real-life gang that operated in Birmingham, England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story follows Tommy Shelby, the gang’s reluctant but passionate leader, who must take over his family business (Michael Corleone, anyone?). Each season is just six episodes, making it very easy to devour in one sitting. Stream on Netflix.

7. Friends from College

Friends from College is a “coming of age” story for a new generation. This intense all-too-real dramedy starring funnyman Keegan Michael Key will resonate with many tightly knit college groups who have tried to keep their youthful connections rolling into their 40s. Filled with anti-heroes, beautifully acted, and endlessly entertaining, each of the eight half-hour episodes can be watched in one evening. Stream on Netflix.

8. Bob’s Burgers

Is it just us, or is everything on television these days dark and twisted? Take an extended break from reality and stream every season of the funny adult animated series Bob’s Burgers. We promise that you will fall in love with at least one of the adorable cast members who feature voice talent from legend H. Jon Benjamin (Archer), Kristen Schaal (Last Man On Earth, The Daily Show) Megan Mullally (Parks and Rec, Will and Grace), Jordan Peele (Get Out, Key and Peele), SNL alum Bill Hader, and Aziz Ansari (Parks and Rec, Master of None) to name a few. The plot follows the hilarious antics that take place in and around Bob Belcher’s family business, Bob’s Burgers. Stream on Hulu.

9. Silicon Valley

A surprise hit from producer Mike Judge, best known for King of the HIll and Beavis and Butt-Head, is Silicon Valley, a witty live-action comedy starring Thomas Middleditch and Kumail Nanjiani. The story follows the day-to-day struggle of Richard Hendricks (Middleditch), a Silicon Valley engineer trying to build his own company within the quirky valley tech bubble. Stream on Hulu.

Tracee Ellis Ross Black-ish Pajamas

Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross wears a lot of cute pajama sets as her character Bo Johnson in the hit comedy series ‘Black-ish.’

10. Black-ish

Network after network is producing gloomy, depressing content but Black-ish on ABC is a much-needed standout family sitcom. Loosely based on the family life of creator Kenya Barris, the show doesn’t shy away from discussions of family, race, gender equality, or politics, but addresses these hot-button topics in a way that is timely, relatable, and approachable. The plot follows family man Andre Johnson (Anthony Anderson) as he struggles to maintain a sense of cultural identity while raising his children in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood. Every episode is smart, sweet, and guaranteed to make you laugh until your belly hurts. Stream on Hulu.

For more ideas for how to unwind in your pajamas this season, visit The Pajama Company at our blog, thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Pajama Dance Party Playlist

Why You Need a Pajama Dance Party

‘Tis the season for stress. According to a recent study conducted by the Harvard Medical School Department of Neurology, 90 percent of Americans experience a heightened state of stress during the holidays. The most prevalent causes of holiday stress are, unsurprisingly, money and family. These two stress factors combined with additional responsibilities and social commitments create a hectic holiday environment.

The dramatic departure from the comfort of our daily routine raises our stress levels. Some people choose to relieve the pressure with a post-holiday vacation, massage, or spa day, but this isn’t an option for everyone. Since most people are strapped for money and time during the holidays, these are not practical solutions.

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Quick Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

Quick Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

The pressure of finding the perfect gifts, being “Santa’s Little Helper,” attending a dozen social events, and entertaining family can add up quickly. It takes one Saturday afternoon at the mall in December to make anyone want to pull their hair out from holiday stress. But how do we manage? We can’t drop everything and camp out under the covers in our pajamas until January (though obviously we recommend this approach over any other).

Here are some quick, practical tips for lightening your load and getting ahead of holiday stress this winter.

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