Do you feel weighed down, carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? After watching the news, listening to friends dealing with family challenges, or making plans for the unforeseen future, it’s easy to get drawn into the swirling eddy of heaviness, negativity, and doubt.
In an interview with a famous movie star who had won numerous awards, she commented on the part that gravity played in her ageing process. She pointed out that not only did gravity cause changes in her physical appearance, but also pulled her spirits down. She said that she worked daily on keeping her spirits up. Such words of wisdom for us all!
I recently read,” If you drink rum before 10 A. M. you are not an alcoholic, you are a pirate!” I couldn’t stop laughing at the silliness, humor, and audacity of that statement. Whatever it was, it brought a lightness to my thoughts and for a brief second I wondered just why I take everything so seriously….Note to self: lighten up!
Laughing is God’s welcoming Spirit at work in a troubled world. Laughter works as the antidote for fear, separation, conflict, and hurt. Things that divide us as people have no power when laughter helps us drop old prejudices and grievances.
Looking at the lighter side of life can turn our beliefs around to give us new perceptions and novel ideas.
Remember the old section in the Reader’s Digest, “Laughter is the Best Medicine?” Well laughter is gaining bigger acceptance as medicine. Studies have shown the link between the ability to laugh daily and the lowering of the stress hormone cortisol.
The act of laughing, by releasing endorphins naturally lifts the mood and boosts energy. So why not laugh more?
Here are 4 easy ways to incorporate more laughter into your daily lives according to Dr. Frank Lipman in his article “7 Simple Ways to Laugh More Every Day.”
1) Laugh with others frequently and occasionally at yourself. Let loose and try to find the humor in everyday events.
2) Spend time with funny people. Associate with people who lift your spirits and elevate your health.
3) If you are having a rough day grab your smartphone, go outside to watch a short format comedy clip. YouTube.com is a great resource.
4) Get to know the greats. Bravo’s Top 100 Funniest Movies List. These films can increase your inspiration and giggles while boosting your well-being!
Life is tough enough don’t let it drag you down. Laugh a little more, maybe a lot more. You may have to look at things a little differently, because after all you might be a pirate! (Just take it easy on the Rum!)
