Lowering Stress with Fun and Laughter this Holiday Season

When I talk about fun I am talking about participating in a fun activity, enjoying humor, and laughing this holiday season. Professional research studies tell us that the affects of laughter in humans is one of the best anecdotes for lowering our stress level. It can also add years to our overall life expectancy. Can you recall the last time you had a real good laugh, whether you were engaged in an activity with a group of friends, or watching a comedy show, or viewing a hilarious movie. Do you remember how you felt during and after a good belly-wrenching laugh? Most likely you felt more relaxed, wore a contagious smile, and temporarily put problems or worries behind you.

There are many benefits to having fun in your life, but many of us struggle at this very simple, yet powerful, God-given medicine. Between heavy school loads, busy work schedules, and multiple extracurricular activities, it can almost become an afterthought subscribing to a dose of laughter. I used to say, “I love my job,” and I thought it met the “have fun” requirement, but I soon discovered it was much more than just having fun at your given profession or career. You have to engage in activities outside of work in order to have fun. Once I started this formula, I learned that there are a variety of fun activities that I enjoy and that make me laugh. I even found that occasionally spending time with my best friend’s children presented itself as a fun opportunity to be silly and play with them. Permitting myself to enjoy life outside of work and have fun helped me to stop taking myself so seriously. Thankfully today I have a balance, so when it is time to have fun, laugh, and be silly I can simply let go.

I challenge you to take time this holiday season and find out what other fun you can have. Learn a new hobby; travel to exotic destinations; volunteer with children; try a recreational sport; write a book on your favorite subject, or find something you and your kids can participate in together. These are just ideas. The point I do want you to see is that most of us have to earn a living one way or another. If you love your job or if you are trying to get your feet wet in the job market, make it a point to have fun in different areas in your life. Having fun on your job is a job bonus. Outside of your occupation, you need to be sure you have other interests that will complete and balance your life by allowing yourself to have fun.