When Is the Last Time You Really Laughed?
By Sandy Schroeder
The value of laughter, giggling and smiles is not always fully appreciated, but I know a fair amount of people who could benefit from its effects. If life’s tensions, challenges and ongoing pressures are causing you to frown, laughter might help.
If you forget to just laugh at life and shrug your shoulders when the going gets tough, you may have to remind yourself of how it feels and what to do to make laughs happen more. Here are some laughter tips to try.
Surprise others with your smiles – When you bump into someone in the supermarket, smile. When I do this the individual usually smiles, too. If I had frowned, he or she probably would have, too. The next time you collide with someone at home or at work, smile. Usually it works out better.
Giggle away tension – When things get a little too tense in your family, loosen the tension with a funny remark that everybody in the family recognizes. My kids often did this, relieving a lot of tension, and keeping us all together.
Laugh off the day – Some days run a lot better than others. If you have had a trying day, don’t carry the day’s challenges home. Instead, pull out your old very favorite movie, the one where you can recite all of the lines, and laugh your way through it. After the movie you will probably have relaxed and put all of the day’s issues in perspective. Hanging on to daily issues can create a lot of ongoing stress that never proves to be healthy.
Be open to the moment – If you can see the amusing side of almost any situation, you may be able to work your way through a lot of daily situations. I worked with a healthcare director who was a master at this. He could walk into a room and spot humorous things that everyone could identify with. He managed to hold a group of scientists, researchers and administrators together with this approach for quite some time, getting them to pitch in and help him time after time.
Whatever makes you laugh will also help you let go of a lot of stress, according to many psychologists. Reach for a smile, laugh or giggle as often as you can. Enjoy!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in League City, Tex.