Stress is something that every human being deals with – there is no escaping it. So having some go-to strategies to help you feel more balance in your life can make a real difference. Have you ever noticed how a really good laugh or heartfelt smile can make you feel so much better when you are feeling stressed? What if you intentionally created scenarios where you smile and laugh more often as a stress management strategy? Some ideas might be to:
- Watch a favorite funny movie, TV show, or stand-up comedian
- Listen to a funny or light-hearted podcast
- Read a funny or light-hearted story
- Playing with your kids or a pet
- Chat with a good friend, reminiscing about fun times together
- Remember all of the details of a funny story or happy moment
- Look at pictures that bring back happy memories
- Listen to music that makes you smile (maybe even dance a little!)
After a really serious day at work, these strategies can be a healthy way to find balance, and if you share these with loved ones, it’s a great way to connect and foster a healthy relationship with them as well.
How might finding more ways to foster more smiles and laughter impact your day and life?
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
For more information on the benefits of laughter, here’s a great article: Laughing Is Good for Your Mind and Your Body, Here’s What the Research Shows.