FIND OUT WHAT LAUGHTER CAN DO FOR YOU!
“Laughter cannot solve your problems but it can give you the energy to face your problems, to look at life in a different light, a positive light.” Dr. Madan Kataria
Talking to my friend the other day it didn’t take me long to figure out she was really down in the dumps. I listened, letting her vent until she was done. I understood her frustrations. Her problem was real but unfortunately her situation wasn’t going to be changed overnight. It was something she was going to have to work through. At the end of the conversation my friendly advice to her was to go home, try to relax and find something funny to watch on TV.
You might be surprised at that advice considering what I do for a living. But let me show you why that actually was some good therapeutic advice after all.
BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER
- It reduces stress hormone levels and triggers the release of endorphins (feel good chemicals)
- Lowers blood pressure
- It’s a mini workout. Not only does a good belly laugh give your abs a workout, it also gets your heart pumping.
- Provides a good distraction to take the focus away from negative emotions like anger, guilt, disappointment and stress.
- It stimulates your immune system and increases your protection against viruses, bacteria and even cancer.
- Helps you to become more creative at problem solving.
- Connects you with others. Laughter is a universal language and is contagious. When we laugh with one another it triggers positive feelings and fosters an emotional connection.
Wow! Who knew that laughing could do all of that! And yet it does and really so much more. The health benefits of laughter are far-ranging. Unfortunately though, many people don’t get enough laughter in their lives. And we all probably know that one person who doesn’t find humor in anything. Their general demeanor is usually quite miserable. Don’t let that person be YOU!
Trying to find humor in your life does not mean that everything is perfect and you don’t experience hurtful and trying situations. After speaking about a painful time in her own life, Maya Angelou, a well known, prolific writer once stated, “Don’t trust people who don’t laugh, I don’t.” Even though her youth was troubled by abuse and suffering she would repeatedly take the chance to remind others about the importance of laughter. In fact, she had many quotes about humor and laughter. She used humor as a survival tool in the face of adversity. It was a piece of advice she freely gave often over the years, especially when speaking to young people.
LOOK FOR THE FUNNY
Obviously, there are times when laughter is inappropriate, I get that. But even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. Or, maybe you grew up in a household where laughter wasn’t a common sound. It’s not too late to start now. Just like you might set aside some time to work out, reserve a special time to seek out humor and laughter. Eventually, something you had to plan for will become a more natural part of your life. I found this great list of ideas for creating opportunities to laugh from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
- Watch a funny movie, TV show, or YouTube video
- Invite frinds or co-workers to go to a comedy club
- Read the funny pages
- Seek out funny people
- Share a good joke or a funny story
- Check out your bookstore’s humor section
- Host a game night with a friends
- Play with a pet
- Go to a “laughter yoga” class
- Goof around with children
- Do something silly
- Make time for fun activities (e.g. bowling, miniature golfing, karaoke)
Considering how beneficial a good laugh can really be — from lowering our stress levels to contributing to our overall wellness I believe we all could use a little more laughter in our lives. What do you think? So, to contribute my part in helping you to laugh a little today I would like to share a couple of quotes and jokes I found true or amusing. I hope you enjoy them too and find yourself laughing a little in the process.
~Women usually claim childbirth as the most painful experience of their lives — until they start stepping on Lego’s approximately three years later!~
~I don’t think women should be allowed to have kids after 40. 40 kids is way too many by any standard!~
~A little girl climbed up onto her grandfather’s lap and asked, “Did God make me?”
“Yes,” the grandpa replied.
“Did he make you, too?”
“Yes.”
“Well,” the girl said, looking
at his wrinkles and thinning hair, “he sure is doing a better job nowadays!”~
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
— Charlie Chaplin
“Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.”
— Norman Cousins
“Laughter is an instant vacation.”
— Milton Berle
“I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.”
— Woody Allen
“Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.”
— Veronica Roth, Divergent
“Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine.”
— George Gordon Byron
“I wonder if clothes made in China say, ‘Made around the corner.’”
— Anonymous
“I just spent an hour at the gym. I couldn’t find a close enough parking spot so I left.”
— Unknown
Humor is all around us in everyday life. You just have to look for it. If however, you are in a really low point in your life right now you might find that difficult to do. If this is true for you, call me, (Kris Henderson) at 616-516-1570 or schedule an appointment online today. Let’s talk about what is going on. I believe I can help you look at your life in a different and more positive light.
