In these current turbulent times in which we live, there is much to be concerned about on a daily basis-even moment by moment. If we allow it to consume us, it could thwart our best-intentioned wellness efforts and derail our track to move forward on that journey. We may not notice its toll right away, but eventually we get to the point of self-introspection of, “geez-when was the last time I laughed out loud- I mean for a really big old belly laugh when your eyes squint, your cheeks hurt, your mouth is hanging wide open and yes if you are women, ok or man of a certain age you might lose your bladder control…just a little!” You make that joyful noise that is undeniably your own just like your fingerprints. Once you let it out you begin to wonder wow, I haven’t laughed like that since I don’t even know when. You could be hearing the same story you have heard repeatedly, but it garners the same out-of- control laughter each time you hear it. This phenomenon led me to consider how laughter may be connected to wellness.
Because I am not a wellness professional or researcher, I admittedly have no hard or evidence -based data to confirm or back up anything I am about to say, so there is my disclaimer! I can, however, speak from my own experiences. I think we all long for those hysterical laughing outbursts described above that can be so elusive. When your stomach aches and feels like you did 1000 crunches, but you didn’t. Dopamine is a powerful neurotransmitter and there are many ways in which our body produces it, and I believe laughter is one of them. Therefore, it is impossible to overstate the value of using good methods to give yourself the best chance to experience more of it by:
- Surrounding yourself with people that increase the chance for the laughter that you long for. It may be during a special event like a wedding or just a warm summer night surrounded by friends and family on the patio listening to music.
- Laugh at yourself! Everyone loves self-deprecating humor. When no one else is around and you do that thing, and you just start cracking- go ahead and let it flow! That’s right, give yourself permission to do the exact opposite of taking yourself too seriously.
- Go ahead and watch that same episode of that same show that gets you going every time. I do that one all the time, preferring a recurring sit-com episode than the latest and greatest violent, profane movie. I will pick 9 out of 10 times the best chance for laughter!
I guess my point is that regular laughter is healthy and promotes your own wellness and should be a part of everyone’s wellness goals and fitness regime. To miss out on it for too long is, to me, not to live a well-balanced and joyful life. And in the end, whoever said they wanted to laugh less and experience less joy? Thank God, no one I know! Laughter feels good and is free and contagious in the best of ways. It can help us get through and thrive in a turbulent season that threatens to steal your joy if you let it, so don’t. LAUGH heartily and as often as you can!! Then relax in the afterglow of it all- what a great workout!!
Yours In Health,
Michele J. Howard, MS
CWI Board Member