As you know, February is Heart Health Month. And, as you heard last week, mental health and heart health go hand-in-hand. This week, we wanted to show a little illustration about how laughter can help your mental health and heart health in different ways. Now that we understand the many benefits of laughter, what types of activities can we incorporate into our lives that will keep us on the path of good health? Here are some simple things you can do to boost your mind and your heart:
- Watch a funny movie. Doing this alone can be fun, but laughing along with a friend or loved one can increase the help benefits even more.
- Go walking with a friend. Not only do you get the aerobic benefits of walking, but walking and potentially laughing together can be a double whammy.
- Try open mic night at a comedy club with a friend.
- Listen to a funny podcast.
- Read a book written by someone you find funny.
- Organize a get together for a birthday or celebration, and take turns sharing funny memories of that person.
- Watch a stand-up comedy tour on TV.
- Listen to a funny radio morning show on your way to work.
- Use dinner time to share something funny that made you laugh in your day. Have everyone share something funny.
You know the saying, the more you look for something, the more it shows up? That is also the case for humor. Even on the tough days, challenge yourself to look for something that makes you smile or laugh. It may just be the littlest thing that shows up. Even those little things can make an impact, and your mind and your heart will be happier for it.