Do you remember what it's like to laugh? I don't mean a little chuckle here and there from something amusing. I'm talking about the side-splitting, bring-you-to-tears or even pee-in-your-pants kind of laugh. Or have you gotten so wrapped up in the stresses of your life that you've forgotten how?
Well, it's time to remember how. Even it it means forcing yourself. Yes, you read correctly. Force yourself. Because when you do force yourself to laugh, there comes a point when the fake-ness falls away and suddenly you're laughing your head off for real. Loudly. Especially when you do it with a group of people. Sound ridiculous? Try it!
Laughter not only lifts our mood and relieves stress, it's contagious! The last time you were around someone laughing heartily, didn't you find yourself joining in? Or at the very least, wanting to be a part of it? I sure did.
And for you scientific types, there are loads of benefits to boot:
- improves circulation
- increases oxygen flow
- lowers blood pressure
- aids in effectively dealing with stress
And when you laugh with someone, that's when the magic happens. Magic that brings you to life. Magic that brings Joy into your life. You deserve that Joy.
Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things. ~George CarlinSo what sends you into a side-splitting laugh? And when was the last time you went there?
I remember one incident while white water rafting that I used humor to help diffuse a tense situation. Our raft was hit by a wall of water, our guide was knocked to the floor of the raft and our motor stalled. There were about six of us aboard this raft and there was some very scared people. I started to laugh pretending this was fun(in reality I was scared out of my wits).This seemed to have the effect of calming people down and our guide bless him jumped into action and got the motor started and successfully guided us down through the white water.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it's the most difficult to find humor when in a scary situation. Good on you, John! Your way of dealing probably prevented more of a dangerous situation because no one was panicking.
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