Once in a while we try to go out to eat and do a family dinner on Sunday nights. With two teenagers that are very busy with their social lives, sports, school, activities we can be going in every direction.
How yesterday went…… I remind the kids a few times what time we will be leaving to go out to dinner because we have reservations. I tell them to plan accordingly so they are ready to leave the house on time. It’s getting closer to the time to leave for dinner, still not getting ready, now we are going to be late and they are both getting ready, my husband pushes dinner reservations back, still going to be late because they are STILL getting ready, now my husband is getting mad, the kids are fighting over the hair dryer, and I am ready to just cancel dinner.
But fast forward to being at dinner something magically changes we start talking and laughing. AHHHH the power of laughter!
Laughter is the best medicine. I say this all the time when I teach yoga to my students. Watch a toddler run and fall, or a baby learning to walk and fall, they laugh at themselves. Somewhere along the way as we have gotten older we start to take ourselves too serious and get mad at ourselves.
Whether it is on or off your yoga mat. If you lose your balance in a yoga flow, laugh, don’t judge yourself and get mad.
This summer it was one thing after the other in our house and cars breaking. It was a lot and it got very frustrating but it comes to the point you have to let it go and not focus on everything going wrong and breaking.
Like Elsa sings we need to Let It Go!
We get stuck in routines, in the monotony of life. We get caught up in our “to do lists” and we forget to have fun. Sometimes the house will need cleaned, the laundry will need done, groceries need to be bought, homework needs to be done, but when you remember to pause and laugh things can magically change.
Science says laughter is the best medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, it protects the heart by improving the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow. Laughter can also burn calories, It can help when you are in a place of sadness or anger. A study in Norway even found that laughter may even help you live longer.
As a yoga and fitness instructor, mindset and health coach, and a mother of teenage girls, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact that laughter can have on our well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are common companions, finding moments of joy and laughter is more important than ever.
The Power of Laughter
Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a powerful tool that can relieve stress, enhance our mood, and even improve our physical health. When we laugh, our body releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that naturally elevate our spirit and combat stress. Moreover, laughter enhances oxygen intake, stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins released by your brain, promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Laughter in Yoga and Fitness
Incorporating laughter into yoga and fitness routines can transform the experience from a task to a joy. Imagine starting a yoga session with laughter yoga exercises, encouraging a light-hearted approach to practice. This not only relaxes the body but also breaks down barriers, allowing for a deeper connection with oneself and others in the class. In fitness routines, laughter can be the unexpected twist that makes a challenging workout seem more playful and enjoyable.
Building a Mindset for Laughter
Cultivating a mindset that welcomes humor can be a game-changer, especially in challenging times. It’s about finding the silver lining or the slight absurdity in everyday situations. As a health and mindset coach, I encourage my clients and students to seek out opportunities for laughter in their daily lives, whether it’s through watching a comedy, sharing jokes with friends, or simply finding humor in their mishaps. This approach not only helps in managing stress but also in building resilience and a positive outlook on life. I don’t believe in toxic positivity, so it is ok to have days when you are mad and sad. Feel your feelings and emotions but know that days do get better.
Laughter and Parenting Teen Girls
Parenting teenagers, especially girls, can be a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges. Laughter can be a powerful tool in navigating this journey, helping to break the ice in tense situations and reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously. Sharing a laugh with your teen can strengthen your bond, facilitate open communication, and create a supportive environment where they feel understood and valued.
Other Ways To Bring Laughter Into Your Life:
- Make humor a priority by reading a funny book, watching a comedy, funny TV show, or listening to your favorite comedian.
- Share laughter with friends. Spend more time with people you have fun with.
- Smile. Smiling is the begging of laughter and it is contagious.
- Count your blessings and create a gratitude list.
- Invite people to a comedy show or go out.
- Host a game night.
- Goof around with your kids.
- Make time for fun activities.
- Always remember to laugh at yourself.
- Don’t take life or yourself so seriously all the time.
Stress can be a major laughter blocker. So it is extremely important to keep your stress levels in check. Yoga, meditation, journaling, going on a walk, getting outside are great ways to help lower your stress levels. Breath work can help instantly for me to bring me back to a place of gratitude and calmness.
Laughter is indeed the best medicine. It’s a universal language that bridges gaps, heals, and brings people together. As we continue to navigate the complexities of life, let’s not forget to laugh—loudly, heartily, and often. It’s not just about adding years to our life, but life to our years. So, let’s laugh our way to health, happiness, and deeper connections with those around us.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
