It’s funny how much good laughter does a body and mind

Though it’s tempting, and even logical, to be down in the dumps over all that 2020 — and the first days of 2021 — have thrown at us, I wonder if it’s possible to laugh instead.

Laughter is medicine. It releases endorphins and is good for us on every level: mind, body and spirit.

A good chortle is linked with optimism and decreased levels of stress, depression and anxiety. Positive physical associations include lower blood pressure, reduced pain, and improvements in immunity and heart function. Also, it’s fun!

I’d say right now, more than ever, this is the stuff we need.

Has it been a crazy, rough

year? Yes. But we still have the capacity to laugh, and it will help.

Of course, I’m not suggesting

the hard times upon us shouldn’t be felt and acknowledged. Sweeping pain under the rug certainly is not the idea.

I’m saying maybe we can allow for our feelings and laugh as much as possible. Look for things to laugh at — shows, videos, conversations, articles, you name it — and even giggle over things you don’t necessarily find hilarious. Laugh just because. Heck, do it right now!

In her TED talk on the subject, laughter-yoga teacher Liliana DeLeo says ,“Regardless of whether the laughter is real or fake, the body makes no distinction. So when you engage in this action called laughter, the body follows suit, and you start feeling the emotion connected to laughter.”

We know that smiling (even if you’re not in the mood) is uplifting. Laughter is like a turbo smile that moves through your whole body. It can be an incredible boost.

So, how could you LOL more?

I suggest seeking out funny stuff and making it a point to laugh.

This can be a wonderful spiritual practice, just like deep breathing or tuning into sensation in the inner body. It fosters greater presence and can powerfully turn things around.

Sure, it can feel a little weird at first, and maybe it won’t do you any good. But maybe it will! Maybe it will help you feel shockingly fantastic.

Wouldn’t that be funny?

Getty Images Seek out funny stuff and make a point to laugh. Even if it’s forced at first, the benefits are real.