Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be. — Whitney Houston
When we are kids, we laugh a lot. Children laugh dozens of times a day, and they laugh at small things and at big things, they laugh at silly jokes and serious things. But as we become adults, it is much more difficult to laugh so easily. Do you laugh too little in your life? Should you remember how you used to laugh before, as a child?
Laughter has a lot of benefits. It can reduce your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax, not just on a purely emotional level, but also physically. Laughter contributes to the release of hormones and neurotransmitters that are good for our health: if we are laughing it means that all is well.
In addition to this, laughing has a social function. It helps us feel more at ease around new people and also connects us with others. Laughing together is great for bonding, no matter the situation.
Sometimes, we might feel like there is not much cause to laugh. Life can be tough. Maybe we just want to appear somber to be taken seriously. But laughter is, if not the best medicine, a good support to have there for tough times and for good times as well. Allow yourself to laugh as you used to, full belly laughs, that you don’t have to stifle.
Cultivate situations that promote laughter in your life. Watch funny films and videos, read funny articles and book. Be silly with your friends, make jokes and laugh at jokes. Make a conscious effort to include things, people, and events that make you chuckle and laugh in your daily life.
A good idea is to give yourself permission to play. Play is a natural activity that promotes a lot of laughter, whether it’s through video games, outdoor games, or board games. Discover what you like to play and have fun with it!
Laughter comes from being with others. Try to see your friends more often. Hang out with family members that are nice to be around, with whom you can make have fun, laugh, and enjoy yourself. Give your time to those who can share your laughter.
More than anything, learn to cultivate humor. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Laugh at your mistakes and learn to laugh at yourself. You don’t have to be mean, just a little sillier than you would be otherwise. When you do, you will be surprised by the changes you will see in your life.
