The kids are arguing again, the house is a mess, and what’s for dinner tonight? It’s moments like these when we feel like we might scream.
But what if you took a step back, took a deep breath, and laughed instead?
Sometimes we need a reminder that laughter is medicine. As cliche as it may sound, it is definitely true. Think back to a time when you got into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Maybe tears started to roll down your face, or your stomach muscles began to feel sore. But once you regained control, that feeling of release and relaxation felt so great, and you probably said something like, “Ah, I needed that.”
April 14 was International Moment of Laughter Day. The perfect time to find the funny in the everyday moments. The story goes that in 1997 humor consultant and psychologist Izzy Gesell invited the world to join him and participate in and create fun activities to encourage everyone to laugh. In his opinion, laughter is as essential as breathing. “Laughter comes right after breathing as just about the healthiest thing you can do,” Gesell says.
Laughter has so many positive benefits to our health and outlook on life. It has been proven beneficial for anxiety and helps improve our perspectives on things. As Gesell says, “It relieves stress, instills optimism, raises self-confidence, defuses resistance to change, and enhances all your relationships.”
So take some time to laugh today.
Find the funny in your daily activities. Instead of getting stressed when something doesn’t go your way, turn it around and find the humor in the situation instead. Your body, mind (and maybe even your kids) will thank you.
