When was the last time you had a really good belly laugh?
What was last week all about? I don't know about you, but I was all over the place - self critical, weepy, lacking in confidence and generally feeling pretty flat and apathetic. It was loud and constant in my mind, despite trying to drown it out with various distractions. This is not my default setting any more, so I felt out my comfort zone, like I'd been temporarily teleported back into a past version of myself.
As an intuitive and Cancerian, I'm naturally very sensitive and pick up on different vibes and shifting energies. I know and accept this is part of who I am and can usually shake it off. But last week my usual shakedown did not work.
Taking time out to meditate is a great way to rebalance myself, but I've had deep resistance to taking time for myself, making excuses like “we are in the middle of a house renovation so it's too noisy, dusty, messy…” or “I've got to get these Mother's Day paintings done before the builders start” or “I'm too tired” or “I'm busy, I'll do it tomorrow”. How ironic that I write about self care and procrastination in my book How to be SuccesSoul and I find myself procrastinating and putting off my own self care. The Universe loves a contradiction!
The truth is sometimes I can't be bothered meditating. There I've said it. It's easy to do when the environment, time, space, setting and energy are all just right, not so much when you're in a guddle or just not in the zone. It can feel like an effort, which is the very energy I'm try to get away from.
As ever, the Universe stepped in and sent me a simple solution that is available to all of us, any time, any place, any where.
Laughter.
In my case, the laughter came in the form of an Instagram video of two Dachshunds in bed, wearing hats, chewing down on some celery sticks whilst holding them with their paws. If you want good laugh check out the image below.
To be a well being we have to nourish all our senses, including our sense of humour. Laughter really is one of the best tools for dealing with stress. We intuitively know this but the science backs it up too. It reduces the level of stress hormones (cortisol, epinephrine, adrenaline), while stimulating feel good hormones like endorphins. Humour can also decrease anxiety, soften anger, lighten depression and increase our pain tolerance.
I know you may feel that there is not a lot to laugh about at the moment, except cute carefree animal videos, however studies have shown that even ‘fake’ laughing can elevate your mood - so as the saying goes “fake it til you make it.”
If the image below by @mylesandwillows doesn't bring a smile to your face, then read on for some tips on how to bring a little more laughter into your life.
Struggling to find something to laugh about? Give yourself permission to commit acts of silliness, irresponsibility and general light-heartedness.
Make funny faces with your family and friends.
Watch a comedy film.
Reminisce with your friends.
Visit a park/go online and watch dogs playing.
Read a joke book.
Spend time with fun, playful people. Laughter is contagious.
Share your embarrassing stories.
Have a food fight.
Play a practical joke on a friend (who has a sense of humour).
Try twirling a hula hoop.
Try Laughter Yoga
Start a pillow fight.
You don’t have to be in a good mood all the time – you just need at least one good belly laugh every day.