How to Put Laughter to Work for You

By Sandy Schroeder

Most of us move right along every day and sometimes we simply forget to laugh. Remembering to laugh when tension builds, and demands rush in, can make a difference by relaxing the body and easing the mind.

Dr. Frank Lipman on bewell.com suggests we put the power of laughter front and center in our lives, just to make everything better. If you think about how you feel right after a laugh, you may agree.

Doctors tell us laughter’s healing powers help to reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, stress and cortisol levels. So how do we trigger the laughter that we need?

Here are six easy ways to push the laughter button.

Hang out with funny people – Most of us know a few people who always make us laugh. When one catastrophe after another happens, take the time to call a funny friend or invite a few over for a great evening.

Learn to laugh at yourself – Sometimes, when I am annoyed or overloaded, I simply stop and imagine how silly I must look as I stomp around and growl. Whenever you can see the funny side of a situation, you let go of tension and your body says “thank you.”

Start with smiles and graduate to laughs – Some of the most effective people that I have ever worked with knew what a smile or a laugh could do. No matter what they were dealing with they never failed to find a smile or make a humorous observation to help everyone relax. Watch the people who know how to create a relaxed mood and learn from them. Often a shared smile or an easy laugh can ease the tension in a meeting when nothing else will.

Sample a yoga laughing class – Or try a laughing meditation. Laugher really can be contagious and it might be just what you need if you have been having a tough week. See if it works for you.

Take a night off to laugh – Round up all of your favorite funny old movies and break out the popcorn. Invite friends and family and spend the night reciting your favorite funny lines. When I have been having a stream of trying situations, a night off never fails to help me regain my perspective.

Learn to see the funny side – My younger son was a master at this when he was small. Whenever the whole family began to grumble he would smirk and make some inane observation that cracked everybody up. The gloomy mood would quickly fade, and soon we would all be trading funny comments.

Whenever things seem to be going sideways, remember to put laughter to work for you.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Missouri City, Tex.

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