There is a lot of truth in the saying “Laughter is the best medicine”. This is even more so when the condition you are trying to cure is related to mentality.
You are never going to be happy when you take life too seriously. That can only guarantee a spike in your stress levels.
There always a side of humor to even the most serious subjects and situations. And when you are able to pivot mindfully to see the funny side of things, the toughness of life can be that little more bearable.
While common sense tells us that a joke in a tense situation can lighten the mood and dissipate the chaos going in your head, there is actually a little science to it.
I don’t know if this was endorsed by Doctors. But research has shown that laughter:
- Relaxes the muscles in the body
- Blood pressure and heart rate slows right after laughing
- Endorphins are released by the brain promoting a calmer state of mind
- Enhances general immunity
- Reduction of stress hormones
- Creates detachment from stressful thoughts
- etc
Do you need anymore reasons to make life more fun, funny, and enjoyable?
Here are 3 simple ways to add more laughter in life.
1) Framing and reframing
Do you remember a time when you were a spectator in an event when someone was speaking on stage? His presentation was so bad that found it hilarious.
That was your perspective.
Can you imagine the amount of anxiety the presenter was feeling while up there? His mind must be tumbling all over the place from the mistakes that he was making.
This is a concept that you can embrace.
The next time you get into a stressful situation, look at yourself from a third person point of view. You might actually chuckle uncontrollably at the comedy you are creating.
For example, when you mess up your slides at a meeting presentation, imagine how funny you would have looked in the eyes of the participants in the room.
Nothing bad is going to happen. So don’t take yourself so seriously.
2) Surround yourself with funny people
There is something magnetic about people who make others laugh. They just always seem to never be alone.
It’s not about charisma or leadership. It just them having a sense of humor that others enjoy.
You should surround yourself with, or be around, funny people. They never seem to have a bad day. Ever!
Not only will be be keeping a check on your stress levels. But when you pick up the skills or techniques of being funny, others might start flocking to you instead for fun!
Getting such attention can even reverse your stressful lifestyle to one that is happy all the time.
3) Think about the timeless jokes you have experienced
Off the top of my head, I have about 5 past experiences that are so funny that I cannot stop laughing the moment I think about them.
I’m serious. Even after so many years, I still find them so hilarious that my eyes get wet sometimes.
I’m absolutely sure that you can recall at least a few of these occurrences in life that made you more than just smile.
Nobody said that you are not allowed to re-live those moments and have a big laugh over it all over again. In fact, use them every time you feel depressed.
Maybe it’s a scene out of a famous movie. Maybe it’s a time when your best friend fell into the lake. Or maybe it was one of those pranks you did in college. Replay them in your head and let yourself go.
4) Youtube
If you need to call on the Calvary, look no further than YouTube.
Search for anything and include the word “funny” in your search phrases and you will be sure to see a few funny viral videos pop up.
Youtube is truly a lifesaver in terms of stress management.
Just be wary of how much time you spend on it. Losing track of time is one of the drawbacks of being on that portal.
Before you know it, you might have spent an hour or 2 on it.
Humor is one of the best, if not the best, ways to alleviate stress. It’s free and irresistibly contagious. Tap on this natural remedy to make yourself feel better.