19 Oct Why Laughter is the Best Medicine

Happy Friday everyone!

Today I thought I would write a bit of a fun post just talking about how important it is to “let your hair down”, and relax, not taking life too seriously. My mom will tell me how much she loves my sense of humour, and that I need to show it more. I can be serious at times, but I love to joke around, be sarcastic, have fun and not take things too seriously.  Read my post-Not Letting Go of Your Child-Like Spirit. You all have heard “Laughter is the best medicine.” It is so true!

Laughter is important in life

I’ve been reading posts and articles on things that make us more “youthful” much of it being, exercise, eating well, dressing well etc. I do think, taking things lighter, and having the ability to laugh can also keep us youthful.

I’ve always been one to appreciate sarcasm, and let me tell you, I love being the “cool aunt”. I think it is easy to get into a rut and be serious about your day. Keeping up with the news, I don’t find many things to be lighthearted about. I don’t want to stick my head in the sand, but at the same time, find little to be joyous about when it comes to news and today’s society. So, what does a girl do?

You have to learn to make your own fun, entertainment and joy.

What Makes Me Smile and Laugh

We have had Gibson and Truffles now for 9 and 7 years, and every day I thank God for them, as they do bring joy and fun to my life. I can tease them, ( Gibby doesn’t have the mechanism we have for being full.. so I will put one kibble in his dish, while dumping a bowlful into Truffles to see his reaction. Of course, he obediently lies on the ground, looking at me, “is that all, Mommy?” and I laugh, after a bit, filling his bowl. Just small moments like this in life, make you smile and laugh. They are so important. They were certainly one of the best decisions in life and the joy/laughter they bring, I’m sure, adds years to my life. Read post- A Girl’s Best Friend

I am certainly more of a drama, crime story, mystery loving girl who doesn’t watch many sit-coms. But there is one I love and laugh at time and again- The Goldbergs, particularly because it takes place in 1980 something, and brings back so many memories that we can now laugh at.  Beverly Goldburg is the epitome of bad 80’s fashion wearing as many blinged-out, shoulder padded wearing sweaters that one mom can own. I laugh at the references that bring me back to my childhood, as they spoke about Hershey Park and Gator Gum ( Gaterade Gum that was my favorite) in the 80s. Her hair is big, feathered, am reminds me of my own hair at the time- the ever popular “Tenille Style ( of the Captain and Tenille fame) .

I actually really know something is funny if my laugh leads to tears in my eyes, and those tears lead to a high-pitched arrangement of notes that could be heard far and wide. You can certainly make your own laughter, fun. Certain shows do help me as well. I love slapstick comedy , so The King of Queens always had me in stitches. I find the best humour is situations I can relate too. I can pin point an episode where I couldn’t stop crying I was laughing so hard. .. And that makes you feel good. 

Laughing at Yourself

I have to laugh at myself! If you don’t laugh at yourself, you may be taking yourself too seriously. I am sure we all have times in our lives, where we think ” I can’t believe I did that”” or “: What was I thinking?” only to laugh and realize at least we took the risk or tried something in our life. Think about an event where we thought, why did I do that and now put it into perspective. Does it make you laugh about it now? I have to be able to laugh at myself,or else I would just be afraid of taking risks or looking foolish. I remember a time, an embarrassing moment, where I was very serious about my weightlifting and bodybuilding. I read magazines, I lifted heavy weights. I worked out at a Bodybuilders Gym. I put the weight plates on a rack to do squats, misjudged the weight I was lifting, squatted down, then couldn’t get back up!

I HAD to laugh about it, especially now when I think about it. No one helped. These guys were into looking at themselves in the gym mirrors, not helping a little weakling with her weights!  Even then, I found humor in it. You have to.

Another example, my friend and I were Serious Barry Manilow fans in 4th grade. I mean, I was given THE Manilow Album for any collector. It was Barry’s face on a white album, that I could gaze at while watching it spin. My girlfriend and I would later prepare a dance to the “Copacobana” reenacting all of the story to the song. We were quite proud of our skills and tried out for the talent show. Later, I would find out we might have made it, if we declared our act a comedy.  It is a memory, that makes me laugh and smile every time I think of it.

I love blogging. I began it to meet other ladies and to use my creative powers in styling outfits, as I love fashion. Perhaps I need to include more “bloopers” as I laugh about all my looks  depicting a human robot, with my arm raised and hand turned in. So many Mr Roboto poses.

( Didn’t get too far off the ground in my effort to jump)

So, scientifically, “Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.” It does help  you feel better as well, as endorphins are released, and stress is lowered. 

So, I would love to hear how you “keep light” and laugh. Do you find laughter to be the best medicine and do you catch yourself sometimes being “too serious”? Do you find that you are more serious as you get older?

I would love to hear from you in the comments.  

THank you!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Jess xx