Seriously, You Need to Laugh

Happy New Year! I recently saw an article that started out with, "It's a new year and that means resolutions." Uh, no thank you and there's no rule I've ever heard of that says we have to have them. Of course, I've always been a bit of a rule-breaker and I highly recommend it, from time to time. As far as resolutions go, I don't know anyone that gets excited about them. In fact, research shows that they increase our stress and cortisol levels (and who wants that?!?!) and we pretty much ditch them within a few weeks, at most. The concept tends to make us focus on what's "wrong" in our life and how can we "fix" it. I'm more in favor of taking an inventory of where we feel good in our lives and nurturing that.

Which leads to more happiness and laughter ...

"Laughter can be like internal exercise.

Our muscles and organs get a little action

and that starts a healthy vibe

throughout the body."

What's so great about laughing? How about:

It helps your lungs get rid of extra stale air and toxins which allows for more oxygen to enter your body. This feeds your cells and gives you energy, among other things.
It increases endorphins which eases pain and stress.
It might help you live longer (and better!). A 15-year study in Norway followed 50,000 people and those who laughed and had a well-developed sense of humor lived an average of eight years longer than those who didn't.
It boosts your immune system. It also acts as a distractor -- instead of dwelling on our health issues, we bring in positive energy and open the space for healing.
It lifts our vibration. We can start "humming" at a higher level. Even the Bible recommends it: A merry heart, really does a spirit, soul, and body good like medicine. Proverbs 17:22
Ten to fifteen minutes of laughter can burn up to 40 calories! Imagine going to a comedy club and leaving feeling lighter both emotionally and physically!
It brings people together in ways that create beneficial changes in the body and our mood by stimulating positive sensations.
Laughter can be seen as a non-invasive, non-pharmacological "therapy".

I learned about the power of laughter at a young age and it's seen me through a lot over the years. Just the other day I was on my way to the hospital to pull a 12-hour, overnight, nursing shift. I was a little tired and could feel some stress and anxiety about going to work. I put on a podcast that turned out to be hilarious and literally laughed for the next 20 minutes. By the time I parked my car, I was ready to rock and roll!

I recommend you do some research about what makes you laugh. There are so many options available to us -- podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, shows/specials on Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime, and on and on. Reading books by known humorists like David Sedaris, Dave Barry, Erma Bombeck or Dorothy Parker, just to name a few. Dive deep and get your laugh back ... this is what I wish for you.

There's a reason I created a Program called Get Your Laugh Back. If you feel like you've lost your sense of humor, contact me. We can get it back.

Sparkles and Love,