Is Your Laughter Channel On?
By Sandy Schroeder
Laughs are usually spontaneous and always welcome. When you are with friends or family, something may make everyone giggle, keeping everyone relaxed and happy.
When those laughs slow down or just fade away, it’s time to look around.
Look closer at life's demands in your job and your issues at home. We all show up to keep everything rolling, but sometimes we may take it too seriously. Keeping your balance is really what it's all about. Then nothing seems quite as bad, and new answers often emerge.
How to Lighten Up and Let Go
Move more and worry less – Most people who exercise daily will tell you it gets easier with every step. I have friends who make their morning walk a must. They say it helps them generate new ideas, and always puts the day in a better light.
Drop back a little – Taking the pressure off of your schedule with a few little getaways may make life a lot more tolerable. Pop some popcorn and spend an evening with your kids enjoying funny old Robin Williams or Steve Martin movies. Or call that friend who does great SNL impressions.
Readjust your attitude– When I find myself trudging along, I stage a breakout. I may take the afternoon off, go in early and leave early, invite friends over for a late supper, or plan a weekend family campout. When you move life into a better spot, everything looks better.
Take a positive position – When the challenges just keep coming, take a deep breath and smile. That will give you time to figure out what’s going on and work through the problem. As you relax, you might even see the funny side of the situation.
Imitate the masters – I had a boss who never seemed to frown. He would enter a crucial meeting, and open the agenda with a joke, lifting the tension and setting the mood for the whole meeting. Clearly he had found a way to keep his balance and keep his sense of humor.
Stay calm and smile – Today’s brisk pace can generate a steady flow of demands. Take them in order and keep moving. Gradually you will establish ways to channel the flow to avoid being overwhelmed.
Develop a secret source – Everybody needs a way to refuel. My older son says he sometimes uses an undercurrent technique to cope with challenging moments. As he moves through the day, he posts a few funny footnotes to himself with funny, irreverent comments that never could or would be said. But just the thought of them makes him grin as he keeps right on going.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Zionsville, Ind.