Everyone’s heard the saying, “laughter is the best medicine”. But, like many other old sayings, you might take those words with a grain of salt.
In this case, however, that old statement isn’t far from the truth. There are many benefits to laughing, even in the most difficult of times.
Laughter can help to get you through almost any hard situation. That doesn’t mean you need to make light of things or not take life seriously. But, cultivating laughter and finding reasons to experience joy, even in times of trouble, can make a big difference in your mental and physical health.
Still not sure how laughter can help?
What Are the Benefits of Laughter?
Science is actually on the side of laughter. There have been multiple studies done on the effects of laughing, and the results are no joke!
Some of the physical benefits include muscle relaxation, improved cardiovascular health, and a stronger immune system.
From an emotional and mental standpoint, laughter improves your mood, increases endorphins, and lowers the hormones that are associated with stress. So, even if you’re in a difficult situation, laughing can help to reduce your stress levels and help you feel better. While it doesn’t take away the difficulty, it can allow you to see it from a different perspective.
A Positive Distraction
Additionally, laughter can be a welcomed distraction when it’s needed most. That’s especially helpful for people who struggle with anxiety and are triggered by difficult situations. When you’re focusing on something that makes you laugh, it takes the power away from the anxiety.
As a result, you’ll have a chance to collect your thoughts, push the negative self-talk away, and look at the situation without the veil of anxiety and fear causing more harm than good.
When you laugh with others, it can also strengthen your relationships. Laughing helps people to feel comfortable around each other, and encourages a sort of vulnerability that you can’t get through conversation alone. In essence, laughing with others can help you to form a strong support group.
How Can You Add Laughter to Your Life?
Unless something really funny strikes you, laughter isn’t just something you can “conjure up” all the time. In order for it to be beneficial, it also needs to be genuine. So, how can you cultivate laughter, even during difficult times?
First, think of things that you find funny. Add more of them to your life. If you spend most of your day in front of a computer for work, create a Pinterest board with things you find funny. Or, make a Reddit account and look at funny memes when you need a break.
One of the best ways to cultivate laughter is to have the right environment. Spend time with your pets and play with them. Spend time with people who make you feel relaxed and are quick with a joke. Or, reshape your environment. For example, put a funny picture of your friends on your desk that links back to a memory that can make you laugh. Your environment will have a lot to do with how easy it is to add laughter to your day.
Again, laughter isn’t something you can force. But, it is something you can have more of with just a few simple adjustments.
While laughing through the hard times isn’t a way to “forget” they exist, it can help you to relax enough to cope with difficult times, and work through them effectively.
So, the next time something in your life seems difficult, try to find something to laugh about. It really might be the very best medicine, after all.
Contact Me
I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:
- Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
- Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
- Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
- Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and wellbeing.
- I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides an increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.
You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
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