“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” – Lord Byron
In my practice, laughter and humor are a big part of my style of counseling and my style of living. If we can’t laugh about life, we’ll spend our time crying about it right? We have to laugh when the one thing that could go wrong, does. Like when you think you’ve got everything under control and your daughter tosses spaghetti all over your fresh outfit for the day. Or when you’re already late and your dog gets out and you have to chase it around for 20 minutes. “He really took a chomp out of your day…” ha ha ha… Or when you have an argument with your spouse over Facebook or Instagram….really social media…yes, the struggle is real.
And, as soon as we laugh about it, we’re over it, and able to move on to the next thing. As humans, we all have these moments. Even though some people try to pretend they are perfect, they have times like these too. The better- do you mean better we can forgive others with some humor and let our own daily troubles go with a chuckle, the better we can cope with day to day frustrations.
What are some more benefits of laughter and humor?
Well, for one… it connects us! Humor builds trust. It takes us down from our ego and reminds us of community. Humor can bring two seemingly opposite personalities together, forging a bond over something you have both witnessed or gone through. Ever bonded with a stranger over something hilarious? Something only you both saw perhaps out of the corner of your eye? That’s it!! Or, when you have to go to the DMV or other “boring” task and you get the humorous clerk who makes light of the situation? That’s it too! Humor connects and brings us together.
What else does laughter do for us?
It’s a health benefit. Laughter literally lowers your blood pressure. Lower blood pressure protects your heart from stroke and heart attack. Laughter also creates endorphins, the same feel-good hormones that you get after working out or hugging. Studies even show that the good effects can last up to 24 hours… so a good laugh every day could really go a long way in protecting your mental and physical wellness and health.
How do the benefits of laughter apply in counseling?
Every counselor is different. Some are very serious and just take notes (yes, I also take notes) while you talk. Others offer advice along the way. Some encourage journal exercises and writing (yes, I encourage both of these things). And me… I like to support, ask questions, listen, and, you guessed it, laugh. Can’t we laugh about the funny things that people do? Shouldn’t we find the light side of some of the rocks in the road (and how maybe, just maybe, they are meant to steer you this way or that)? Yes! I think so! If you agree, consider scheduling with me.
Humor is an important part of what makes my office different. And, laughter helps me connect with the adolescents and young adults that I meet with. Because come on… even though life is tough, it still is ridiculously hilarious too.
A couple more benefits of laughter?
It strengthens your immune system by producing T-Cells, special white blood cells that are crucial in fighting disease. These cells are not always active, yet one way they ‘fire up’ is through laughter. YES! So, let’s laugh MORE people! It is good for us! And good for our bodies. Last one of the benefits of laughter I’ll mention here? Abs. Yes, laughter gives us a nice ab workout, so let’s get those chiseled abs and have a great laugh!
Haha! Okay, now I’m laughing… so it’s working! Now let’s work on the rest and come meet with me to start finding the lighter sides of life.
About the Author
My name is Katie Bisbee-Peek and I work with adolescents and young adults to help them with counseling, stress, life changes, career pressure, relationships, fear and everything that comes along with day to day living. Because guess what? It’s hard! It’s not easy at all. That’s why we need to support each other. I am here for you and my door is always open.