Survive to Thrive: Laugh More!

Survive to Thrive: Laugh More!

Laughter really is the best medicine. It’s not just about enjoying life, but I think it’s part of surviving life as well.

What you have been through has taken a toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally and chemically.

So I recommend finding something that really makes you laugh. One of my personal favorites is America’s Funniest Videos. It works every time!

It might be different for you, but find what makes you really laugh out loud!

Lawrence Robinson, Melinda Smith, M.A. and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D in "Laughter is the best medicine" write:

"...laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress..."

So...

Find stand up comedians you like who speak your language of humor and go back to them as often as you need to. I could listen to Jim Gaffigan and Tom Poppa all day long.

Laugh at yourself. Laugh with children. Find ways to laugh at the human experience. Laugh at dogs. (I have a 90 pound chocolate Labradoodle whose name is Loki but one evening I created an alter ego for him who prefers the name Gaylord and thinks he is wearing an ascot all of the time).

Watch comedies instead of dramas if you have to. And Avoid hallmark Christmas commercials.

You are going to need ALL that God has given us to persevere. Maybe the strongest medicine he has given us is laughter.

Where to start? I would recommend setting a goal every day at the end of the day to recall three things that made you laugh... and then write them down and laugh about them all over again!

With you on the journey!

-Dr. Kevin