Today’s self-care challenge for you is to find laughter. It may seem like an obvious idea, but it’s actually backed up by science – research has shown that laughter releases “happy” chemicals in the body that reduce stress and combat symptoms of depression. When we laugh, we’re maintaining a longer exhale, which activates our parasympathetic nervous system, regulating our mood and moving us out of fight-or-flight mode – we can relax and regroup, even amidst this challenging time in our lives.
Laughter releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which:
✨ Create a sense of euphoria
✨ Produce a bonding effect
✨ Enhance motivation
✨ Reduce physical pain
Laughter decreases the hormones cortisol and epinephrine (a.k.a. adrenaline) that cause stress; it also boosts the number of antibody-producing cells that strengthen our immune systems!
Have a good laugh with a phone call to a friend, or watch a comedy movie (anyone else love watching Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller in Dodgeball?). Whatever you do, find some way to laugh and enjoy – it feels good in the mind and in the body. What will you enjoy today for a laugh? Let me know in the comments below!