Laughter and Mental Health

Let me tell you a joke.  Why do bananas have to put on sunscreen before they go to the beach? Because they might peel!  Wow that was a good one, and do not worry I have plenty more to share.  You may be asking, why am I telling you a joke?  Well, often times people think therapy is very serious.  The image of therapy in our heads is often of traditional talk therapy about intense emotional feelings and experiences.  While that can be very true,  therapy can be humorous and fun as well.  I often incorporate humor and laughter into sessions with children and adults because it allows the session to be more natural and comfortable.  Plus, there are proven benefits between laughter and mental health.  Check them out!

According to helpguide.org, laughter dissolves distressing emotions, helps you relax and recharge, shifts perspective and draws you closer to others.  Laughter triggers the release of the feel good chemicals, endorphins!  Those endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and temporarily relieve pain, just like the feelings you have after a nice workout! Now laughter is not meant to make light of a difficult situation, but rather a way to maintain some positivity and joy when stressed, depressed or overwhelmed.  Laughter can be a tool to add to your tool box to manage everyday stress.

Incorporating laughter in to your life is easy.  Ideas include:  watching a funny television show, engaging in a conversation with someone in your life that makes you laugh, hosting a game night, playing with a pet, and sharing a joke.  I think the best way to have a laugh, is to play with your children.  Children love to laugh and be silly.  Spend time in their world by wearing a funny costume, reading a silly book or singing a funny song.  Not only will you smile after spending time with your children, but through play, you are teaching your children to have fun, be imaginative, and expand their creativity.

Before I go, here is another joke for the road.   Why did the boy bring a ladder to school?  He wanted to go to high school!  Remember to smile, enjoy the small things, and share a laugh.

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