Daily Laughs: Building a Healthy 2024 with Humor
Hello Fun Friend,
Amidst all the typical topics this time of year when we welcome a new year, I’m ready for an engaging topic shift. What comes to mind for me is the topic of laughter and its health benefits for a healthy lifestyle. I've been contemplating laughter and its incredible health benefits for a vibrant lifestyle. Have you ever considered laughter as a lifestyle? It hadn't occurred to me until I received a call from my mom yesterday. But before delving into the call, a bit about my mom, aunt, and my late grandmother, whose memory I cherish dearly.
I come from a family that embraces laughter instead of shying away from our mishaps. We share hilariously awkward stories about ourselves as though the stories earn a trophy. In fact, we can’t WAIT to relay our latest funny tales.
My grandmother, a humble and somewhat reserved lady, found immense joy in a healthy laugh. Her adorable giggle would fill the room, especially when encircled by family and laughter.
Now, let me show you how our laughter-filled life leads to some hilariously chaotic moments. So, picture this: the other day, my aunt was making dinner for my mom and another relative. She’d put so much effort into those biscuits and a frozen raspberry salad, only to find out, while washing dishes, that HALF of her rubber spatula’s end had mysteriously disappeared.
Can you believe it?
We couldn’t stop laughing! These stories are typical of our family’s humor—they keep us laughing, just like this crazy spatula incident.
This tale ranks among the craziest I've heard in a long while, inducing hearty belly laughs. What captivates me most is my mom and aunt's lifestyle—filled with laughter and amusing stories, mostly centered around their zany escapades, like this one. This isn’t the only story of its kind, but it is the most shockingly funny story I’ve heard in a long time.
The BIG REVEAL…
is coming on WHO cut into the rubber spatula ½ and whether it was in the biscuits or the frozen salad. But not just yet. I need you to hold on a little bit longer.
Do you have a friend who always finds something to laugh about? Perhaps YOU are ‘that’ friend in your circle. If you already infuse laughter into your day and chuckle at life’s quirks, you’re incorporating numerous health benefits into your life.
The Mayo Clinic Staff acknowledges the power of laughter, stating, "A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but data shows the positive impact laughter can have."
Five Benefits from Laughter
Laughter holds numerous benefits, serving as a workout for the soul, medicine for the mind, a musical tune-up for our emotions, a sunshine shower for our spirits, and even a fountain of youth for our overall well-being.
These effects underscore the significance of fostering healthy relationships and appreciating those who consistently bring laughter into our lives. Consider expressing gratitude to those friends who infuse joy and laughter, as these connections are the ones that truly enrich and brighten our journey.
1. Laughter as a Workout for the Soul:
Just as exercise strengthens our muscles, laughter exercises our joy, releasing tension and promoting emotional flexibility.
2. Laughter as Medicine for the Mind:
Similar to how fresh air clears the mind, laughter clears away stress, allowing thoughts to flow freely and revitalizing our mental state.
3. Laughter as a Musical Tune-Up:
Much like music harmonizes chaotic notes, laughter harmonizes our emotions, bringing balance and restoring harmony within us.
4. Laughter as a Sunshine Shower:
Just as sunlight brightens our day, laughter brightens our spirit, chasing away shadows of gloom and refreshing our perspective.
5. Laughter as a Fountain of Youth:
Much like spring rejuvenates nature, laughter rejuvenates our spirit, keeping us youthful in heart and mind.
At the end of the day, what matters most is your happiness and well-being.
If there’s someone in your life who consistently brings laughter, consider expressing your appreciation with a heartfelt note. These friendships, filled with laughter and joy, are the ones that truly enrich and brighten our lives.
There is no better cure for a bad mood than laughter – a genuine, can’t-hold-it-in kind of laughter. It’s an emotional explosion that releases tension and clears any lingering grief from your mind. It’s nearly impossible not to feel uplifted after an unexpected, hilarious comment or story.
When I crave that kind of laughter, there are a couple of people I know who can take me straight to that core exercise of laughter. I heard that intense laughter is like doing 100 sit-ups, and I’m all for it. It’s definitely more enjoyable than attempting ‘suitcases’ or ‘planks’ to build stomach muscles. 🏋️ Can you think of someone in your world who brings this kind of laughter to you?
Laughter, alongside joy and happiness, is a vital part of self-care. It’s an essential element that not only sustains happiness but likely promotes longevity too. Sometimes, integrating laughter into your daily routine might require a shift in mindset. However, incorporating laughter and its uplifting joy can transform into a daily ritual that contributes to lasting happiness.
It’s like a spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down! (Cue Mary Poppins singing her timeless song.)
At times, spontaneous laughter can be difficult to stir up. Stress, hormonal changes, feeling down, or just being bored can cloud our ability to find humor.
I experienced this recently when brainstorming for a blog topic. But, you know what turned it around? A text from my mom - she's my laughter hotline. It’s amazing how a moment of shared laughter can dissolve mental fog. It's like the weight on my mind lifted, and suddenly, everything felt lighter.
So, are you ready to laugh? Because it is time for…
the BIG REVEAL!
On New Year’s Eve, a text message popped up on my phone that read: ‘I was the Winner!! I found my prize in my frozen salad. My mom claimed the title, and my Aunt was just relieved to see this fiasco come to an end. 😂 No one had to be rushed off to the emergency care for 'spatula-itis'.
As we navigate life's intricate path, laughter emerges as a guiding light, brightening the journey with moments of pure joy and camaraderie. It's more than an emotion; it's a resilient force that knits us together, fostering strength and shared happiness. So, let's celebrate the power of laughter. Treasure those moments that evoke laughter, honor those who gift you with joy, and hold onto laughter—it's a remedy that sustains us through life's twists and turns.
Here's your invitation: seize a moment today to share a smile, connect with that friend who effortlessly brings laughter, or reminisce about a memory that fills you with unbridled joy. Gratitude fuels the connections that enrich our lives, so appreciate those who contribute to the symphony of your happiness. Let's harmonize our lives with laughter, composing a melody of unity and everlasting delight."
Consider keeping a journal to capture those daily moments that bring a smile to your face! Whether it's a quirky mishap or a hilarious conversation, jotting them down can add more joy to your day. If you're looking for a journal dedicated to these funny moments, here's my Amazon affiliate link to some of my favorite options: Amazon Affiliate - Shop Journals Start tracking the laughter-filled moments in your life!
Laughter makes for the best memories and connections to those we adore!
To Your Health and Giggles, 😂
Wendy Rimmelspacher