by Is work stress making you lose your mind? Is your partner ignoring you again? Are you tired of reading about violence in the world? There can be many things in life that can make you stop laughing. But you should try to laugh more as it can have many positive effects on your health. Therefore, on World Laughter Day, which is celebrated on the first Sunday of May, let’s discover simple tips to increase laughter and happiness in our lives.
Health Shots reached out to psychotherapist, life and business coach Dr. Chandni Tugnait, who says laughter is an integral part of life and has immense long-term health benefits. Laughter can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood, and boost immunity. Basically it activates endorphins in the brain, which are associated with happiness and well-being.
How to laugh more easily
Yes, laughter is the best medicine, and in today’s busy life, taking a break and laughing out loud is essential. Here are ways to do it:
1. Spend time with friends and family
Spending quality time with friends and family helps reduce stress, says Dr. Tugnait. Enjoy the little moments in life and create happy memories with your loved ones. Being around people you care about and who share your sense of humor can make you laugh, leading to positive physiological changes.
2. Watch comedy shows and movies.
Watching good comedy shows or movies can be entertaining and also an easy way to add more laughter to your life. Laughing at funny characters and their circumstances can help lighten your mood and reduce stress.
3. Try laughter yoga
Laughter yoga is an exceptional form of exercise that promotes laughter and relaxation. This technique combines laughter with deep breathing and stretching to improve physical and emotional well-being, says the expert. Consider joining a laughter yoga class or do it at home by watching YouTube videos.
4. Read funny books
Reading humorous books, comics, or jokes is a great way to bring laughter into your life. Funny books can also provide a stress-relieving escape from reality.
5. Share funny videos and memes
Today, families and friends are part of mobile messaging applications. So, share funny videos, photos and memes with friends and family there. It’s a light-hearted way to spread laughter and happiness.
6. Attend stand-up comedy shows
Stand-up comedy shows are becoming popular, especially in big cities. Such shows are a great way to meet new people and have a good laugh. You will be able to laugh with the public while appreciating the craft of the local comedians.
7. Play games
Playing fun games with coworkers, friends, family, or strangers can bring smiles and laughter. There are many fun board games or you can even check out some of the games online.
8. Spend time with children or pets
Spending time with children or pets can help you laugh more often. Children are frequent sources of amusing observations, and pets are natural artists. The mixture of innocence and joy will provoke uncontrollable laughter, says the expert.
9. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness allows you to focus on the present moment and enjoy small pleasures. When you focus on the present moment, you often come across funny moments that lead to laughter.
You can even work your sense of humor. Once you learn to see humor in everyday life, the need to have meaningful events for fun will lessen as regular everyday events become more interesting.
