Laugh a Lot and Improve Your Well Being – Thrive Global

After many years ofreal life research, scientific study, and pop culture I devised a 10 step planto live healthy, happy, and fit. When I went back over my grand plan, Irealized one glaring hole: laughter. What would life be without those crazytimes when you laughed to the point of tears or when you laughed so hard yourcheeks hurt? I remember my brother laughing so much he would loose his breathand we would have to try to make sure he didnt suffocate. That seems a bitcrazy now, but that laughter goes a long way.

The benefits of a goodlaugh:

Laughter relaxes you.Its true, a few laughs can lighten the mood and decrease your stress levels.Laughter also boosts your immune system, protects your heart and may even helpyou live longer! We know that holding grudges is a detriment to your health,conversely a good sense of humor and the ability to let things go will help youenjoy a long full life.

Stress is a contributing factor to all the major lifestyle diseases including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. One thing you can do to decrease your stress is lighten up and laugh a little. This all makes me think about the term enlightenment.

In the Eastern world and Buddhism, to become enlightened means to have a complete knowing and understanding of all things. It also means to have a deep sense of inner peace within yourself. If you simply take the word enlighten it means to become lighter.

5 ways to add somelaughter into your life:

Watch funny YouTubevideos, late night comedyshows, or stand up performances. In our political climate and age of division,sometimes its the best way to handle the latest news.

Hang around withchildren.Yesterday at aJuly 4th party I met a boy who had a toy gun and he was shooting imaginary badguys in a tree. That might sound crazy to you, but to him its real and itsfun to let yourself go with your imagination.

Be silly &self-deprecating.Find ways tomake fun of yourself. This was one of the toughest things for me to do for avery long time, but I finally realized life is too short to be serious. Now Ilove to have fun, make fun of myself, and just be goofy.

Recover yourinnocence.While hangingaround those kids, make sure you do things that make you feel like a kid again.We didnt have a care in the world as young whipper snappers and as we grew, wetook on responsibility and we got serious. Im here to tell you that you canhandle your responsibilities and still have a good time.

Smile.Go ahead do it, take the ends of yourlips and point them up. It makes you feel better doesnt it? I know itssimple, but thats really all it takes to improve your mood. I recommend you doit multiple times every day.

So in your quest tolive a healthier life, make sure you make some time to crack that smile andremember what Wavy Gravy said, Its just not funny if you dont have a senseof humor. Get out there and enjoy your day.

Originally publishedon theauthors website

Previously publishedon Goodmenproject.com

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Laugh a Lot and Improve Your Well Being - Thrive Global