Responsibility—whether it’s school, family, work, or relationships—can sometimes feel like a heavy weight on our shoulders, especially when we’re tired or working very hard. During these intense times, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.
While bigger or ongoing problems like anxiety or depression may require special attention, sometimes adding a little healthy fun and playfulness or humor to our day can help neutralize some of life’s unavoidable stresses.
Having some fun may even help:
- Relax muscles
- Improve mood
- Strengthen relationships
- Defuse conflict
- Promote teamwork
- Relieve stress
- Encourage children
Sometimes a smile, a joke, or a good belly laugh can help us let go of negative emotions and greatly improve our mood. In fact, a recent study that took place in Taiwan amongst elderly participants showed that Laughter Qigong (a practice of conscious and directed laughter) improved mood and helped relieve symptoms of depression.
The next time you feel weighed down by the pressures of life, take a little time out to lighten up and have some fun. Watching Wai Lana’s Smile video is also a great way to relieve your stress and improve your mood.
