ROMANCE FOR A HAPPY LIFE by Catherine Lanigan & Rula Sinara

Smile! Catherine Lanigan with Adrienne Macintosh (Harlequin Heartwarming, Editor) & Dianne Moggy (Harlequin, Vice-president Series Editorial) at RWA Nationals 2018

CATHERINE: While I was at RWA and being the recipient of happy smiles and hugs from my Heartwarming sister authors and editors, I couldn’t help remembering one of those statistics that flashes across Twitter and Facebook from time to time that reading romance boosts the readers’ immune system.

That got me to thinking. There are all kinds of happy blips and snippets in our daily lives that go a long way to bringing us happiness that we are all guilty of overlooking. Not all our readers have romance in their lives—at the moment. Even in our group, we have those that are divorced and widowed. Single. And yet, there is love all around us. We were all gloriously happy to be together, share family details---grandchildren, graduations, weddings, engagements, puppies being adopted. It was uplifting and made for yet another happy, haunting memory to cherish.

Surrounding yourself as often as possible with loving, uplifting and helpful –to- your- well-being friends and family, can add years to your life. Just watching friends smiling at each other, de-stresses us. Watching a movie in which people kiss and hug has enormous benefits for our health, even though we aren’t involved in the romance. Immerse yourself in a novel that’s all about love, giving, caring and sharing---those fireworks are the boost to your body’s good health.

Romance novels teach us about relationships. What to do and not to do. We learn from our heroine’s mistakes. We can take life cues from her valiant efforts to be true to herself. To be strong during adversity. We increase our ability to empathize and along with that, we unblock our own emotions. We laugh. Cry. We grow. And in the process we learn some things about ourselves and our own lives. Maybe we’ve been selfish and need to embrace our loved ones more. Maybe we have put everyone else’s needs before our own to our detriment.

A friend gave me a copy of Dr. Mao Shing Ni’s book, “Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of ways to live to be 100.” Within the pages of Feng Shui, exercise and nutrition tips, are all kinds of de-stressors. I’ve mentioned a few above.

A major de-stressor in life is flowers. I’m only bringing this up because it’s August and in a blink, my flowers will fade and autumn will be here---and I’ll be planting mums and decorating with pumpkins. Plus, this gives Rula and I a chance to show off our gardens right now.

Hibiscus in Catherine's garden

Catherine's hydrangeas

RULA: So true! Stress can wreak havoc on a person's physical, emotional and mental health, yet there are so many affordable and enjoyable ways to reduce stress in our lives. I agree that flowers and gardening are great examples. I truly believe that getting in touch with nature (gardening, walks, sunshine, dancing in the rain etc...) is fundamental to reducing stress and increasing happiness and well being. Even nature knows when it's time to unwind and August is a perfect example. Many of the flowers in my garden are beginning to lose petals and go to seed. Butterflies are taking long drinks of nectar before their next phase and okra and tomatoes are begging to be picked. I'll share a few garden pics too (because, yes, Catherine and I love our gardens!). Plus, taking photos in the garden or on walks is another 'hobby' that's a nice way to unwind.

Rula's zinnia patch. Can you spot the butterfly?

See the okra? The flower above closed for the evening, but when it opens, it's reminiscent of hibiscus. Even it knows to take a rest!

Fuchsia in pots by Rula's front door

Ornamental grass at sunset near Rula's chicken coop

So far we've mentioned reading romance and gardens and the two really are connected. After all, reading in garden is a wonderful way to enjoy the dog days of summer and let go of stress (more on the benefits of reading below). And if your garden is anything like mine, while you're outside lost in the pages of that love story, you might see a critter or two. And catching a glimpse of a cute animal is sure to put a smile on your face. Okay...I'll admit...Peter Rabbit has been eating my squash, but he's still cute.
'Peter rabbit' by Rula's hydrangeas

A very 'dear' deer visitor in Rula's backyard. Twin 'Bambi' babies showed up in the area too, but I didn't catch their photo.

When Catherine and I were talking about happiness and stress reduction (and the roll of romance novels in it all, of course), she mentioned how looking at cute baby photos (any species) make us feel happy. You know you can't help but smile when you see adorable baby animal pics on social media, right? Well, studies prove 'cute' really does impact our brain in a positive way. For one thing, it increases compassion and empathy. http://theconversation.com/how-cute-things-hijack-our-brains-and-drive-behaviour-61942 

Here's another interesting article in which studies show, not only an increase in happiness, but marital bliss too! https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-relieving-benefits-of-watching-cute-animal-videos-4150074

What's interesting is that we've all read reports on how reading romance novels has a similar impact in terms of health benefits. They're an escape...an affordable mini-vacation...and they increase compassion and empathy. They can also raise awareness, teach, give hope, spread love and they're empowering (especially for women). Reading romance novels is a great way to let your body and brain relax. They're important on so many levels. Catherine pulled up some interested articles on this point.

CATHERINE: There’s a great article on the internet about 7 Reasons to read Romance. https://www.elitedaily.com/p/7-amazing-benefits-you-unknowingly-get-from-reading-romance-novels-2755616. It’s pretty cool.

Reading novels of any genre in PRINT, not on ebook, is a health booster. I’m amazed at the new studies coming out on this one. Not only does the reader gain in increased language skills, but turning the page increases the reader’s ability to remember what they’ve read. Those who read are 2.5 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. The list goes on. Here’s another link: https://www.realsimple.com/health/preventative-health/benefits-of-reading-real-books.

Romance novels are so much more than just boy meets girl.

Romance novels teach us about being women on this planet and how to live life fully and to always look for that happy ever after---whatever that may mean to us.

We wish you a happy end to your summer with kids going off to school, it’s a hustle. But remember to smile, hug one another and tell everyone you love that you DO love them! 

Share your tips/favorite ways to de-stress. Is reading romance one of them? Has a romance novel ever impacted your life in a positive way (emotional/mental/escape/learning something etc...)?

Love,
Catherine and Rula

www.CatherineLanigan.com
www.RulaSinara.com











Comments

  1. I love your posts. You share so much that is of value to us all, not the least of which is those great pictures!

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    1. Thank you, Liz! I loved your Sit Down Saturday too (Robert Frost is a favorite of mine) and congrats on your new release! In fact, congrats to all the August authors (Jeannie Watt, Liz Flaherty, Carol Ross & Tara Randel) on this month's releases! Great reads to round out the summer :).

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    2. And I must say, credit to Catherine for the great post idea!

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    3. As usual my initial reply didn't post. That's because I'm not home at my very old favorite laptop. I'm agreeing with Rula here. A big cheer to you, Liz, and all the August authors. What a line up. And what great reading to take our minds off the turmoil the world keeps building by the minute. All the fires---so sad. Thanks for being here!

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  2. Love the link to the reasons to read romance. And the photos are fabulous. I always joke that in my particular bio I never say that when I'm not writing you'll find me in my garden. I live in a townhouse in a condo complex, no garden space, and I happily leave the landscaping to others. But you will find me at the local botanical gardens, a real showpiece in Green Bay--year round. The flowers available at Farmers Market this time of year are a real joy. I have no doubt they boost my health along with my spirits. Thanks for the lovely post.

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    1. Hi, Virginia! I am so in agreement with you. I also read a study that even LOOKING at pictures of flowers boost our energies, immune system and helps shoot down the dark feelings of depression. Even better, is diffusing flower essences in our homes. I'm really big on this one. I have different scents for different writing scenes. It is amazing how my imagination takes flight! Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. Virginia, botanical gardens and farmer's markets are wonderful! When I lived in an apartment the tiny balcony I had was filled with pots of flowers and herbs. I must admit, the weeding was easier lol!

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  3. Rula, missed seeing you at conference this year. I always love the posts you and Catherine put up. It's so important now to immerse oneself in things that make us happy as it seems the world is in never-ending turmoil. There aren't a lot of flowers blooming this year in my area. May be too hot for too long. But I do often see wild animals on my walk and find any glimpse uplifting. Thanks for sharing your beautiful gardens with us.

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    1. It was so fun seeing you, Roz. Wasn't our Heartwarming dinner fun? I had a blast. I have to say that when I lived in Arizona, (Scottsdale) I hated August because NOTHING grew in my garden. So, I commiserate. It was so bare. I had cut flowers in the house to get me through till fall when I hung far too many fall garlands and decorations, but I was trying to bring my Indiana home to Scottsdale. Thank goodness my husband loved it!

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    2. I missed seeing you (and everyone) too, Roz! And yes, we really need to embrace all that brings joy.

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  4. I hadn't heard the part about reading romance being good for the immune system and mental health, but I'm not surprised. Gardens and animals are one of my loves...I have read that walking outdoors is better for mental health than a treadmill indoors, though all exercise is good for us. Anyhow, thanks for the post.

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    1. It's amazing how many articles there are about reading romance. I had a wonderful time checking them out. I knew Jane Austin was right

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    2. Callie, I totally believe that outdoor running has more (at least mental) benefits than indoor. Vitamin D from sunshine, for one, but something about the fresh air, scenery changes and nature sounds makes it more of a meditative experience...and we've all heard how good meditation is for one's health!

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  5. I hadn't heard about turning the page of a print book helping you remember what you just read. I'll have to share that at work :)

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    1. Hey, Pam, can I just say, you give the best hugs ever! I had not heard that before, either, but I'm amazed at all kinds of study that is about reading and activating the aging brain...along with how vastly important reading is to our children!

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    2. That was new to me too, Pam! Isn't that amazing?! It reminded me of the studies showing that cursive writing and pen/pencil to paper tap into and develop brain centers that keypad typing doesn't. Such important information when it comes to raising our children.

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  6. I love seeing photos of your gardens! My garden is a major source of relaxation for me, especially when the flowers are blooming. One of the best things I did in my garden was add a couple of birdbaths. We can see one of them from our kitchen and dining room and I love watching as all the birds swoop in for their daily drink and bath! It's turned me into a birdwatcher as well as a gardener, and has really connected us further with our garden. So glad you two wrote about relaxation today. It's so important and many of us (like me!) don't make enough time for it.

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    1. Hi, Claire, nature of all kinds is so important to us as our modern life keeps disconnecting us from our spiritual selves. We need to remember what glorious creations are around us all the time. Trees, flowers, animals, pets, the air after a storm, it's wonderment at it's zenith. And all of it helps us to relax---be kind to one another...

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    2. Claire, I LOVE birds! One thing I love about organic gardening is that the animals come flocking over (they know what's good for them!) and you eventually get a beautiful balance of insects, birds and other fauna...a balance of predator and prey. With all the seeds from plants, earthworms and other 'bird food' bugs around my place, we have so many different species of birds it's amazing to watch or close my eyes and listen to. Enjoy your bird baths and watching!

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  7. Just reading your post made me smile and reduced my stress level. Beautiful flowers! We found rot in the porch and hubby and son rebuilt it over the last couple of weeks, and in the process stomped some of my flowers into the ground. The good news is it's an excuse to replant with some more interesting flowers. I'm thinking ferns and columbine. So interesting about the baby animal videos boosting productivity. So I'm not wasting my time. Thanks for a lovely post, as always.

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    1. Hi, Beth! So fun meeting you at RWA. Yeah, I painted the exterior of my house this summer, and I stomped a lot of things to the ground, inadvertently. Blessedly, they all popped back up.

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    2. Beth, the fern and columbine combo sounds beautiful. I love ferns and have some damp, shaded areas where I plan to add some. Hostas that have white edges are another favorite of mine (for shade)...of course, I have to plant them where the deer won't eat them like candy lol. Have fun gardening!

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  8. I'm sorry I'm so late. I love the beautiful pictures! My favorite flower is the dandelion and I wish they would grow around here, but I think it's just too hot for them. :( I am so jealous of your gardens. Hubby prefers a natural desert landscaping (aka - he doesn't have to mow grass) so we have rock. And more rock. :( Not very relaxing. Guess I'll just go read a romance novel instead.

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    1. Any excuse for a romance novel, LeAnne! LOL :).

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  9. I really enjoyed your post, with the ideas on relaxing and health. I know that when I read, I learn about relationships, am entertained, and feel like I'm escaping. I thought maybe that was just me. It's always nice when research backs you up, and you don't have to consider reading a guilty pleasure! It's almost like a prescription. :)

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    1. It's definitely not just you, Cathy. We all feel this way, here. If only more doctors told patients to go relax with a romance novel as a part of their regimen!

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