Learn To Laugh More

Chances are if you are on our site, you may be dealing with a difficult issue, or the transition of a loved one. Your own mental health and well-being is critical to the care of those around you, so we thought we would give some advice on learning to laugh more. Laughter is after all, the best medicine.
 
First, understand that laughter can be healthy for you because it stimulates an endorphin release. Slight chuckles and smiles won't do the trick because only true laughter has what it takes to release the chemical in your brain. Knowing how and when to laugh is truly in your control! We encourage you to give yourself the gift of laughter.
 
Save The Funny Stuff for a Rainy Day
Just like going to the store and stocking up on healthy foods, you can also keep a stockpile of funny items and some comedy to avoid bad moods. When the blues hit, you may not be in the mood to search for cheerful items, so having them at your fingertips beforehand is a great way to reference when needed. Taking the time to gather some smile-inspiring items gives you a treasure chest to dig through on a bad day.
 
Store it on your phone, laptop, or tablet. That way you have access to these items when needed! You can maintain control of turning negative emotions into positive ones with just a click.
 
Humor Is in the Eye of the Beholder 
What makes you laugh? It may not be the same as those around you. Prioritize your own humor. You may even want to seek out someone who shares your sense of humor. It has been said that often the people we hold dearest to ourselves in life share the same sense of humor we do - that is the best friend to have.
 
This is why our first tip is important. Collecting items in advance that humor you and lead to laughter can keep your mind positive. You don’t need to explain your humor. Accept your own individuality and give yourself permission to laugh. Making a personal space for whatever brings you laughter feels good!
 
Don’t Hold Back Laughter
Learning to let it all out can be difficult, especially when you feel it may not be the time to laugh. Many people hold back laughter because it feels inappropriate. In times of crisis, grasping onto laughter and humor is good for mental health. Suppressing laughs can become automatic and we lose awareness that we are doing it. When you see someone laughing, think positively about the joy they are experiencing and the freedom of their expression.
 
Most of all, laugh as often as you can with the ones you love. Taking the time to build memories that we can look back on later can be helpful when working through a transition or in a difficult caregiving situation. Did you know that laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress? It may just be what the doctor ordered.

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