Laughter
Laughter is the best medicine. It….
Causes the suppression of cortisol, epinephrine, and other chemicals involved in the stress response
Encourages energizing dopamine, calming serotonin, and increases the release of endorphins that suppress the stress response
Relieves muscle tension
Stimulates your heart and lungs, as it requires deeper breathing
Stimulates the release of antibodies, strengthening your immune system
Strengthens your cardiovascular system by causing rapid increases in heart rate followed by relaxation
Lowers blood pressure
Improves pain tolerance
Distracts you from whatever is stressing you, allowing for physical recovery of stress
Improves connection, when shared with others
Most of the time, laughter is unplanned. It happens when we aren’t expecting it. A coworker tells a joke, a friend acts goofy, or a child says something hilarious.
We don’t always think about laughing when we are stressed, or feeling depressed. But this is the best time to laugh.
Laughter therapy is safe, non-invasive, has no unwanted side effects, doesn't have to cost anything, and is accessible and available to everyone
Even forcing a fake laugh can create the same positive benefits that spontaneous laughter provides
5 Minute Unwinder Challenge:
If you just have 5 minutes, turn to something funny when you need it:
Download a joke app, like Laugh my App Off, or Dad Jokes
Decorate your work space, or you refrigerator with funny pictures of your friends and family
Create an album in your phone of funny photos and videos of your friends and family, to turn to when you need a laugh
Search for ‘funny desk calendars’ on Google.com to find a long list of desk calendars that provide a laugh a day. Order one for your workspace or bedroom dresser
Follow funny meme accounts on social media
Start a ritual of texting jokes back and forth with your friends daily
10 Minute Unwinder Challenge:
If you have 10 minutes:
Search for and subscribe to several comedy podcasts that you can listen to when in the car, walking from your car to your office, grocery shopping, workout out, etc. Check out these suggestions from vulture.com
Watch clips from AFV, or Just for Laughs on Youtube
Close your eyes and relive a moment that made you laugh until you cried
15 Minute Unwinder Challenge:
If you have 15 minutes (or more):
Phone a friend / family member. Ask them about the most embarrassing moment they’ve had in the past month
Watch part of a comedy special on your favorite streaming app
Read a comedy memoir- it won’t disappoint. Here’s a list of recommendations from bustle.com
Consider ending your day with a 30 minute comedy on your streaming platform. Ending your day with a laugh could help you sleep better - which is a double bonus!
If stress is a part of your daily life and interfering with your sleep, your relationships, or your health, consider adding more funny into your life- you won’t regret it.
Resources:
Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter for Mental Health
How Laughter Can Relieve Stress
The 5/10/15
Fuel, Energize, Unwind - on Your Time