Ways to help yourself see the lighter side of life:
Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take yourself less seriously is to talk about times when you took yourself too seriously.
Attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them. Look for the humor in a bad situation, and uncover the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you.
Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun.
Keep things in perspective. Many things in life are beyond your control—particularly the behavior of other people. While you might think taking the weight of the world on your shoulders is admirable, in the long run it’s unrealistic, unproductive, unhealthy, and even egotistical.
Deal with your stress. Stress is a major impediment to humor and laughter.
Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing.
Creating opportunities to laugh:
Watch a funny movie or TV show.
Go to a comedy club.
Read the funny pages.
Seek out funny people.
Share a good joke or a funny story.
Check out your bookstore’s humor section.
Host game night with friends.
Play with a pet.
Goof around with children.
Do something silly.
Make time for fun activities.
THE BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER:
PHYSICAL: Boosts immunity, Lowers stress hormones,
Decreases pain, Relaxes your muscles, Prevents heart disease.
MENTAL: Adds joy and zest to life, Eases anxiety and fear, Relieves
stress, Improves mood, Enhances resilience.
SOCIAL: Strengthens relationships, Attracts others to us, Enhances
teamwork, Helps defuse conflict, Promotes group bonding.
Laughter is
good for your health