How often have you heard “that sucks” from your kids, parents, or friends? The truth is that some things suck in life, and we must power through. Sometimes, it comes like an avalanche, and the enormity of it all can make it hard to do something as simple as laughing.
Whatever it takes to bring more laughter into your life, make that your goal. Remember that we are intentional in creating the world around us. We should not be passive observers waiting for something to happen but rather grab life by the smile and be intentional. You might be surprised by what you find!
Laugh at What You Can
Laughter is so good for your mind and body, and mood. It just makes you feel a little better about things. It can turn your attitude around; it can rescue a bad day. When life is a little too much, there’s not always a goofy co-worker hanging out in the kitchen to crack a joke about it. We don’t have to wait for one to show up, either. There are lots of ways to think about adding laughter to your day-to-day life.
Tip 1: Plan on Laughing More
No, really. Whatever you set out to do, do it with a plan – even something like laughing. Tell yourself you’re going to laugh today and write it down in your planner. Heck, pick a specific time. I have tried this, and when I read it in my planner again later, I laughed that I had gone through the trouble to actually write out “Laugh at 3 pm” in my planner. You never know what will get you to laugh, but if you leave yourself open…it could be anything!
Tip 2: Spend Time with Friends
I think friends make friends laugh by definition. Do something fun that you and your friends like to do. Send your friend a link, a meme, or a pizza from their least favorite pizza place. Keep your friends on your toes and share whatever makes you both smile. This will make laughing easy!
Tip 3: Watch Something Funny
I love stand-up comedians. The good ones, anyway. I love trying to find local shows and watching many stand-up videos on social media. No matter what, it’s just a matter of time before I crack up. Consider even just watching a funny movie. Just do it. It makes life better. One of my all-time favorite movies is Christmas Vacation and anything (I mean anything) Will Ferrell.
Tip 4: Make a Laughter List
If something online makes me laugh, I screenshot it or send the link to myself so that I can watch it again later. I have a running list in my notes app of go-to funny movies, links to stand-up routines online, or even specific episodes of tv shows that I think are the funniest. If I hear a good joke from a friend, neighbor, or colleague, I jot it down to laugh at later. Why not make it as easy as I can to laugh?
Tip 5: Create a Little Room for Laughter
Slowing down the pace of life and taking a breath can reverse engineer laughter. Instead of waiting for the laughter to make you feel like you can relax, try a deep breath, stand up and stretch, or listen to a calm song. If something is on your mind, talk it out. If not, to someone you trust, even just to yourself. Or write a diary entry. Once you take a little weight off and relax, finding something to laugh about will be much easier.
No matter what’s going on, a little laughter goes a long way. Go easy on yourself. Everybody needs a hand sometimes. You don’t have to achieve perfection to be happy and laugh. You don’t have to laugh every day, either. I like to say, “laugh when you can.” Suppose you see a reason to laugh, do it. Just take the universe’s gift of the option to laugh. You don’t even have to laugh out loud, lol. But laugh anyway – as much as you can.
Salt Therapy and Wellness Is Here to Help!
If you feel like laughter can be hard to come by, don’t worry – you’re not the only one. If you think you might want to talk things out with a counselor, Salt Therapy and Wellness is here to help. Our therapists have virtual sessions available to help new clients in Oklahoma get back to a place where laughter is easy to come by. Reach out to learn more or schedule your appointment today. Contact us today!
