Laughter as Therapy
As a counselor, it may surprise you that there is often a lot of laughter in many of my sessions. I encourage my clients to laugh; to find the humor in the situation, in the individuals they are with and at life in general.
- Laughing is as healing as tears.
- Laughter is truly beneficial.
- Laughter is good for your health.
- Laughter is beneficial.
- Laughter can decrease distressing emotions. It’s not possible to feel anxious, angry or sad when you’re laughing. One of the funniest moments during my Mom’s treatment was when she awoke from a surgery and when asked if she was hungry stated, “I want steak.” The funny part was she stated it in the same tone and voice that Homer Simpson stated in an episode James and I had just watched. We both laughed.
- Laughter helps you relax and recharge. Taking time to laugh can reduce stress and increase energy. You are often able to accomplish more and stay more focused. Watch a funny YouTube video or share a joke with a coworker or friend.
- Humor shifts perspective. There are times in life when things simply get too serious. Humor allows you to see situations in a more realistic light. A different perspective allows you psychological distance and can help you not feel overwhelmed. When I worked as a Hospice employee, I always warned my new students that they would be hearing laughter from the employees and this was a way of coping with the daily stress of the job.
Do you have enough laughter in your life? Do you know what makes you laugh?
This week I challenge you to try to laugh at least once per day. Find humor in a situation. Laugh at yourself for doing something silly. Watch a favorite comedy sitcom or movie. See if you feel different after you allow yourself to laugh.
Self Care Saturday is a weekly series providing tips and suggestions for self care in your daily life.
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I totally agree the finding humor helps shift perspective. I’ve noticed there is lots of laughter in my therapy sessions as my therapist tries to get me to see the lighter/funnier side of situations I’m going through.
I’m so glad Emma. Sometimes everything begins to feel so serious and when we step back we are able to truly see things from a different perspective. I’ve had a few clients who in the beginning of our relationship were no where near being able to laugh at anything and they sometimes become the ones who are able to laugh the most after working through their “stuff”. Thanks for stopping by.
One of the things that my husband promised in his wedding vows was that he would always make me laugh. He does that well…and it is important for me because that shift in perspective is critical for me. I know (& he knows) that I tend towards the negative and it’s easy for me to go down that road. But. Laughing really does make it better.
I am like you and am married to a guy who knows how to make me laugh and does so on a regular basis – we often have a “sick” sense of humor but it works for us. I’m so glad your husband makes sure you can see the lighter side of things!
Oh my gosh AMEN to this post! If there is anything I know, it is the power of humor in daily life. My family was always one to always be cracking up around the dinner table every single night at something or other. My husband’s family is a little bit more reserved and don’t laugh as much and I really miss it. Alex and I get in our fair share of laughing though- our favorite thing is to watch funny Youtube videos!
My husband’s family is the same way – more reserved. Fortunately, my husband didn’t get that trait and he’s always making me laugh somehow or the other. Seriously, what did we do without YouTube and all that we can access whenever we need it?
I agree! That and Google! What was it like when you just didn’t know something and couldn’t find it out in 10 seconds?? I’m not sure I could handle it haha