Laughter is the best medicine!
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
by Barbie Collins Young
This might be the best advice ever, or it may be terrible advice but it made me laugh anyway. I remember back in my moody days…you know those teenage years or about 3 hours ago…when I was feeling down, sad, or angry my mom would always do something to make me laugh. I know there is a saying that you cannot feel happy and sad at the same time, but there are some memes that have proven that wrong. In general, a dose of humor and laughter is the best medication for feeling blue. It’s probably why I did a stint as a stand-up comedian when I was feeling exceptionally blue. Many stand- up comedians are known for mood disorders and they may be on to something. Pulling out of depression may be a long journey, but journeys are made up from one step at a time. If we add laughter and lightness to those steps, the journey goes a lot faster. Depression can stop people from enjoying activities that they normally enjoyed, but laughter is something that can be uncontrollable at times.
I tried the tips above, and honestly, it did lift my spirits! I also decided to incorporate this into my relationships and we agreed to say ‘bubbles’ in an angry tone if we felt oppositional because we just can’t help but laugh and lighten up.
Here are a few more simple and free tips to cheer up:
Put on your favorite happy music that makes you want to dance. It might be Justin Timberlake’s “Sunshine in my Pocket”, the Grease soundtrack, or “Brown Eyed Girl”. Oh, then dance.
Youtube your favorite comedian. Classics like Jerry Seinfeld or George Carlin always make me laugh.
There is nothing that a few seasons of watching “The Office” or your favorite funny show can’t lighten up.
Get on an Instagram roll and seek out hilarious sayings. I just wasted the past hour trying to find the perfect one for this blog and cannot see through my tears. I guess it wasn’t a waste as I really do feel better!
Turn off the news OR turn off the volume and play a comedian skit over it.
Play a game of Mad Libs with a friend.
Put a piece of tape on your cat’s head.
Barbie Collins Young is the Executive Director of NAMI Eastside, a trainer for Youth Mental Health First Aid, Life Coach, and yes…she was once a comedian. She is also the owner of a really tormented but hilarious cat, Cuddles. She credits her mom and sister for her very weird sense of humor.
Visit NAMI Eastside Website for information about their services. If this is a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.