With shopping and special events added to your days, the holidays can become very stressful. Because you need to also maintain your normal work, family duties, and other commitments, in your attempt to get the presents bought and wrapped, the cookies made, and holiday celebrations attended, anxiety may shift your mood.
According to Mayo Clinic, "A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body."* Another aspect of the value of laughter, according to the article, is that it helps you long term. Laughter can improve your immune system, relieve pain, and help your mood.
Try This: Feeling Stress? Laugh!
Because laughing can give you an instant boost, this week if you feel "holiday stress," ask yourself these questions to change your mood:
- What brought you joy recently?
- What made you laugh out loud or even just giggle?
- Is there a photo, a joke, or story to get you to chuckle?
When in doubt, buy a book of humor. My daughter, Amanda, gave "The Ultimate Dad Joke Book"** to my hubby, Den, which is full of silliness.
* https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
** The Ultimate Dad Joke Book, Hugh Mumie, 2020