Do you ever realize that there is not enough fun in your life? Sometimes when I am really stressed, I realize that I have not laughed in a long time. Usually this occurs to me when I find that my jaw is clenched, and my body feels closed and heavy. It is easy to feel stressed in a world where there is a 24-hour newsfeed at our fingertips informing us of natural disasters, violence, and hatred, not just in our own community but worldwide. It is easy to feel stressed when basic human contact can give you a disease with uncertain consequences. It is also easy to forget about fun in a world that values money and status over the simple things in life. Being focused on having the latest gadget can make us feel “less than” if we don’t have it. At these times, life then feels like a struggle.
Why is it important to have fun? Fun can sometimes lead to laughter. And laughter relieves stress. Laughter can divert us from negative thinking and help us see situations in a different light. There are many benefits to laughing, both short and long term, physical and emotional.
- Laughter increases oxygen intake, stimulating lungs, heart and muscles (especially those around the mouth and those dreaded abdominals). The brain releases calming endorphins and muscles relax, reducing tension.
- A hearty guffaw can increase heart rate and blood pressure creating a rise and then lowering of the natural stress response. This results in a feeling of calmness.
- Negative thoughts cause stress which reduces natural immunities in the body. Laughter counters this by fighting stress, which has a positive impact on the immune system.
- Laughter helps the body produce natural pain killers.
- Laughter connects us emotionally to other people. Emotional connections can make it easier to cope with difficult situations.
- Laughter makes us feel happy. This can lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
It is important to remember that what is fun for one person may not be fun for another. I love going to the Kansas State Fair. I like to watch people, eat weird food and enjoy unusual entertainment. But the Fair is crowded, hot and noisy. For someone who is sensitive to sounds and temperature, instead of being fun it is a great opportunity for sensory overload and a miserable time. Humor is also very individualized. Some humor is inappropriate. No fun will result from a joke that is hurtful or occurs at the expense of someone else.
Fun does not have to cost money. It also does not have to involve alcohol or drugs. Find a way to laugh about your own situations to ease the tension. Make opportunities for laughter in your environment by hanging up photos, cards or comic strips that you find humorous. Most towns publish a list of current happenings. And you can always type in “fun things to do near me” in our internet browser if you need some ideas. Make time in your schedule for relaxation. Laughter truly can be the best medicine.