Laughter is the best medicine

Have you laughed lately…like, really belly laughed? Do you ever look in the mirror and smile? Yes, actually smiled at yourself. Well, you should! I was reminded by an amazing person in my life that I don’t always need to be so serious on my blog – so let’s chat about laughter.

6 years ago, I was anxiously awaiting back surgery. I had been down since January, flat on my back in an incredible amount of pain. The pain pills (and there were too many of them) just took the edge off. It was a brutal 4 months. I had major cabin fever and was in and out of doctors’ offices and was just in constant pain. I walked out of my doctor’s office (my primary doctor is AMAZING, by the way) one day with post-visit instructions to read funny books and watch funny comedy movies. I read it in front of her and said, really – what is this? She was serious. She told me that I didn’t seem to be in the best head space and needed some happiness and laughter to help boost my mood. Crazy enough, I did what she asked me to do and it actually helped my spirits. These are some of my all-time favorites…

If you really think about it, laughter and smiling is truly therapeutic. I meditate in the morning and a few of my guided meditations start with telling me to smile. There are scientific benefits behind laughter and even smiling.

So, my assignment to you…find something to smile about throughout your day. Unfollow negativity on social media and follow folks that are uplifting and add quality to your life. Remember that your mind believes what you tell it – you have control of this. I love watching sweet dog videos, they make me giggle. Be honest, you could be in a real crappy mood, but if you watch funny animal videos, you could get an instant mood boost. Here are some other ideas…

Ironic that I had most of this blog written and then last night I was in the car with my daughter and her boyfriend and my best friend called. We laughed uncontrollably for 40 minutes. We did that silent wheezing type of laughter that just makes you laugh harder when you hear it. I swear, I almost popped a contact. We needed that – just a really light conversation filled with SO much laughter.

These photos of me, make me smile when I look at them. This is joy and laughter in a photo. I know who I was with, who makes me very happy, and just look at my surroundings, who wouldn’t smile. Go surround yourself with those that lift you highter, find the joy in your life and laugh more. We do tend to take life a tad too serious sometimes. Go buy yourself some flowers, as that is sure to bring a smile to your face. As always, thank you for being on this journey with me – together we can make a difference. Cheers!