“Laughter is an instant vacation.” — Milton Berle
Last year I wrote a post, How to Start Building Self Esteem, after speaking to a young reader about her life and insecurities. Since then I’ve been speaking to tons of readers about their lives and an emerging theme I notice is that we could all use a big dose of self esteem and self confidence, because we all have low moments. I also feel that being a woman these days are especially hard – we have so much to do, so many priorities, and so little time for ourselves. Well, no more!
To end this month I thought we’d talk about laughter.
Laughter is so important in our lives, not only to keep us feeling lighter and happier, but can also reduce stress, improve our mood and make us feel happier and better about ourselves. (Read more of the benefits of laughter here.) Here are some ways I bring laughter into my own life, and I hope it can help you out with some ideas as well:
- Wake up feeling great.
I once read that your mood and circumstances at the first 15 minutes of waking up will shape how you view your whole day. So instead of waking up thinking how much you hate your boss/life/yourself, it’s time to change your mood first thing in the morning.
Once you wake up, go to the mirror and say something wonderful about yourself. Tell yourself that whatever yesterday was like, today will be better. And no matter what happens, you are still a wonderful person who deserves the best! Once you are doing your morning rituals of brushing your teeth, doing your hair, showering, you can always think thoughts of positivity and gratitude – remind yourself of all the things you are excited about today, all the things you are thankful of, and most of all, how special you are!
- Hang around people who make you feel great.
You know the saying misery loves company, right? Well the company doesn’t exactly love the misery back… It’s totally normal to have some rough times but if someone is really making you feel awful and you find yourself feeling awful after seeing them, (which as I wrote in my post on toxic friends, is one sign your friend is toxic!) it’s time to move on.
- Have a sense of humor.
Life is tough sometimes, but having a sense of humor about things allows you to relax more, feel at ease, and feel better about yourself – why so serious? Enjoy life and seek out fun, humorous things. Learn some one liners and repeat them to new friends you make. Each time you tell it, you’ll feel more confident and it will sound way better! I know someone who always has a one-liner up her sleeve, and sometimes I’ve heard them before – like 3 million times – but they always make me laugh.
Also, bring comedies into your life. Talk about a stress buster – there are hundreds upon hundreds comedies for you to watch, grab a few friends and watch some funny movies.
- Don’t take things too seriously.
Expanding from the point above, don’t take things too seriously. Have a sense of humor about everything and try to take things lightly (as much as you can.)
The other week I was at the supermarket when I spotted some very cheap boxes of gummy bears that of course I had to have. It was all stacked up on top of each other, and when I took the top box, guess what happened? The whole display fell over. I tell you, if that was me 5 years ago I would’ve run for my life, completely humiliated and vow never to return to that store again! Instead, I surprised myself and burst out laughing! There was one cashier who was laughing so hard, she came up and we both were in hysterics and put the display back together.
Now whenever I visit that store, she always comes up beaming at me and we make small talk, and what do you know, I made a friend from that embarrassing ordeal.
I know sometimes embarrassing stuff happens to you, and it may be more ‘serious’ than just knocking over a display of food and feeling embarrassed; but really, ask yourself what is the worse that could happen. Is it really the end of the world if _____? If the answer is no, try not to stress and take it lightly. Keep your burdens light and you’ll not only feel more relaxed, but will start to surprise yourself at how you start to handle things – and gain more respect and love for yourself. As far as embarrassing things go, learn to laugh at yourself and others will laugh with you!
I hope my tips can help you – will you be bringing more laughter into your life? How do you bring laughter into your life, if you do already? I’d love to hear. :)
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Yes, yes, yes to all of this!!
That’s so funny about the display, it’s something that would definitely happen to me. I also trip a lot, to the point that it’s just easier to laugh about it instead of feeling all embarrassed.
I was just writing a post on toxic people today, will reference back to yours on the toxic friends, it’s fab. Happy Weekend!
Luana´s last blog … This Week
Hey Luana, thanks for your comment. It’s so true, especially if you’re someone who gets embarrassed a lot – you should just try to laugh it off. If you force yourself to laugh once it happens, it will immediately relax you!
And thanks so much for your thoughts on my Toxic Friends post! I can’t wait to see your post, and again, I LOVE your blog! :D
Great idea Renee.
I have come to realize that one can only be as sad or as happy as they choose to be. I know it’s easy to say these things and not so easy to apply them but I am happy to say that I have finally realized and internalized this.
It’s a human tendency to complain. We often don’t see it happening but we fall into a pattern of complaining in our minds or in words about the same things over and over. Force yourself to quit one complaint a day- push it away if you can or contradict each with one count of a blessing. You actually have to FORCE yourself to do it. With time, it becomes an outlook.
Saba, thanks for your insightful comment. I totally agree that it always sounds so easy, but it does take time. As for complaining… I think you are psychic! My next post is about negative thinking and how to change your attitude. Look out for it! ;)
(Sorry, I’ll make this quick!)
I recently watched Kate Hudson’s interview with Oprah around the release of Nine. I think she has it right.
Oprah: You always seem so joyful.
Kate: Thank you…!
Oprah: You really do. And I remember many years ago, interviewing your mother and she was always so joyful.
Kate: That’s a big word in our family. My mom dedicates her life to understanding what that is. And I think, raised all of us to understand how to. I think to understand your happiness or what makes you happy in your life is something we grew up around.
Oprah: But don’t you all ever get sad?
Kate: Yeah! Probably more than…
Oprah: Or like somebody pissed off at somebody in the house…?
Kate: It’s like Tuesdays with Morrie…you know…it’s like you gotta feel it…if you are feeling the sadness, you go into it and that’s where you find your happiness…I mean, that’s kinda how we were raised…it’s like if you are feeling something, feel it, don’t be afraid of it.
Don’t worry Saba, you can write whatever you like! Thank you for taking the time to write up the interview! I think I have seen that interview as well, though it was a transcript in a magazine. I admire her attitude, and Oprah is right, she seems like such a fun, happy person. (Kinda weird but still related: I always thought Kate Hudson’s hair suits her personality: so sunny, bright and fun!)
Oh I totally agree about the “why so serious” thing and the knocking over the store display. I’m one of those clumsy people and I learned not long ago that it’s better to laugh at yourself than get embarrassed.
Esz´s last blog … Client work – Beauty Fool blog header
So true Esz, laugh and they laugh with you!
And I’m so clumsy too! :P
My best friend brings laughter into my life, she’s amazing ! I also like to watch funny shows :p
Krib´s last blog … Gnnn
Aw that’s so great! Friends are awesome, especially true, real friends! :D
I love the Milton Berle quote (in fact, I just added it to my Facebook as a favorite!)
Anyway, I think it’s very important to always FEEL your feelings. I spent too many years bottling up how I felt. Now that I’m older, I always share my feelings – joy, sadness, anger, etc. But nothing feels quite as good as a chuckle! Laughter truly is the best medicine – and best yet, it’s free. How can you be mad with a smile on your face?
I agree fully, Jeanne – it’s very important to feel your feelings and emotions. Bottling it up does no good and you just feel awful!
And I love that quote as well, I’m so glad you like it. :D
Apart from real friends… I really enjoy watching FRIENDS. they make me laugh ti no end… no matter how bad a day i’m having and no matter how many reruns i’ve watched.
Laughter IS the best medicine!