Anyone just spend way too much time worrying about others, or working so hard that you forget to even take a lunch break or drink some water?… me too.
But then you take a moment and get up and just grab some water or stretch ur legs! There’s something about that first step or first sip of high quality H2O – you’re all the more better for it.
I was up late at night and then I got to thinking about Comedy, and how great of a show I had just watched was… then I got to thinking comedy can be just like drinking a fresh glass of water too.
Sometimes we drink 3 cups and it doesn’t quench our thurst other times just a few sips can be life changing!! You know the feeling, maybe a hot summer afternoon, finally back in the AC or taking a breather after that run, and the first sip feels oh so delightful. That right there, that’s can be comedy and relief for the soul. It can happen when u least expect it too. And it’s good for ya.
Comedy is some of the best medicine one can take. Comedy has a niche way of affecting not only our frontal lobe, but also influences our mental, emotional and physical well-being. Some of our favorite modes of comedy are funny movies, stand up comedy shows, or even a humorous book. Comedy has been recognized as a tool for managing stress and maintaining happiness. In this blog post we will take a dive into the “why” behind comedy and how it could be the secret remedy to achieving better health and improving our lives.
The Science behind Laughter
Laughter, smiling, and creativity are certain aspects that come to mind when we all think of comedy. Little do we really take the. 10. seconds. to breathe and think of why we actually love these hearty laughs we get from a good movie or your uncle cracking a unregulated joke at the holiday dinner table. The little grin we feel when we react, is a release of endorphins leading to feelings of happiness (our little friends called dopamine and serotonin). This is distracting us from pain we feel emotionally and even physically. Laughing decreased stress hormones and helps relax our minds and bodies, reducing tension and improving our emotional balance and energy.
Comedy as a Stress Reliever
Cortisol is a silent third party we hear all about from doctors, friends and family, and for good reason. Laughter on the other hand is something that counteracts cortisol, reducing cortisol levels in our bodies. Studies show that laughing improves your immune system, mood and can even strengthen relationships with friends and family. Comedy can shift our perspective and bring bliss even in some of the more stressful moments life brings.
After all, when was the last time you found yourself laughing during a tough moment and didn’t feel just a bit better afterward? Reframing your mindset during challenging instances can really be a pivotal moment. Moreover, one of the best things about comedy is its ability to bring people together. Humor has the power to break down social barriers – It’s universal. It transcends cultures, languages, and backgrounds. This makes me really think about comedians and I think I finally understand why they love what they do -(kind of why horror movies travel the globe so well, zero context required – I digress) Anyways, the beauty of comedy is that its inclusive, and allows us to be brutally honest. Maybe we even exaggerate social norms about society or ourselves to show us all that being light hearted, and breaking down barries is something that can make us realize we are more alike than we may lead on. Comedy makes us feel like we belong, and makes life a more manageable – TOLERABLE – let’s be honest here. Sometimes that rings true for a lot of us. **Cork pops off wine bottle**
Conclusion: Laugh It Off!
Connection – something we all desire so much, and yet we dont need to try so hard finding it. Connections, and laughter are all around us. We just need to shift out mindset to focus on it, and prioritize it. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Breathe, acknowledge the bad stuff exists, laugh it off and repeat. You heard me, next time you feel overwhelmed or you’re feeling down, just turn to comedy. Whether is working on your wit and sharing a good joke, or watching you favorite comedian just remember – laughter is the best medicine!
Breathe, acknowledge that bad situations happen – then laugh in its face and let comedy work its magic.
Thanks for joining me!
-Slice
Sliceanddice 