Laughter is the best medicine, but how do you bring more of this free healthcare into your life?
We begin smiling within the first weeks of life and laugh out loud within months of our birth. It seems laughter is innate to us all and whether or not you were raised in a house full of laughter, you can learn to laugh at any age.
Start by setting aside time to build up those laughing muscles just like you would for any exercise routine. Eventually, it will become a natural part of your day. Here are some simple ways to start.
#1 - Smile
Sounds simple. It is! Smiling is the beginning of laughter and laughter is contagious. When you look at someone or see something pleasant, even mildly pleasant, smile. Look up and smile at people. Stop looking at your phone and greet others with a smile. Smile at the person serving you your coffee or food, at your coworker in the break room, and the stranger you pass on the street. Notice the effect on others. See how the smile can spread to the next person. I think this would be a wonderful trend to start for this world!
#2 - Move Toward the Laughter
If you hear people laughing, go and ask, "What's so funny?" Get in on the joke. Join in on the fun. It gives them a chance to laugh again and feed off the humor they share with you. Laughter is contagious!
#3 - Spend Time with Playful People
I can't stress this enough. Get out and play! It's ok to hang with people who enjoy your more serious hobbies and interests but be sure to seek out those who routinely find humor in everyday events. People who can laugh and be light-hearted can help you find the playful side of life.
#4 - Count Your Blessings
The act of consistently counting the positive things in your life can distance you from the negative thoughts that steal your laughter. When you’re a "Debbie Downer" it takes you longer to find humor in anything. Write down your blessings and recall them when things are pulling you down. I know this helps me when stress is piling up on me. If I remember all the good things in my life, I can realize the thing that I’m complaining about really isn’t as big as I was making it. Or at least, my life is full of much more than that one thing that is getting to me in this one moment. It does put things into perspective.
Other Ways to Laugh
Watch a funny movie or video
Share a joke or funny story
Host or game night with friends
Play with a pet
Goof around with children
Go with fun activities: bowling, karaoke, miniature golf, sporting events,etc)
Take friends to a comedy club or concerts
If all else fails:
If none of these are working, just practice laughing! Stimulated laughter can be just a beneficial as the real thing. Plus, hearing others laugh, can trigger genuine laughter. You can start a chain reaction. Don't believe me? Check out a laughing yoga class. It's a wonderful, fun experience!