Having Fun for your Mental Health
Posted by Kathy Underwood on Mon, May 16, 2011 @ 05:00 AM
Doing something fun every day is good for our mental and physical health. Dr. Bernie Siegel believes that humor and laughter help to heal not only ourselves but the world. He has numerous books that validate how moving out of struggle and strife to self-acceptance and understanding allow us to find more enjoyment in a difficult world. If it is true that he has helped hundreds of his patients move from a life threating illness to self-induced healing through humor and laughter, why not us?
Can we help to heal our own lives? I think so. I think it is crucial that we find time in our day to celebrate through laughter and joy. What makes you laugh and smile? Do it, for your life and be willing to look foolish. It doesn’t matter what other people are doing, it only matters what you are doing. If you haven’t laughed in a while, allow yourself to, even if things are hard those hard things might feel lighter for a time.
Make a list of 5 things that make you laugh. We all have different things that make us laugh. It can be a book, your dog, your friend or anything that lightens you up. Have the list where you can see it. Then, do them every day. Laughter is contagious, it gets easier the more we do it.
Here’s to your health. Laugh away and let me know how it goes.
Sometimes people find it helpful to talk with a trained therapist. If you are in the Seattle area feel free to contact me.
Photo credit: Vicci
