I think laughter is often the first casualty when dealing with chronic pain. It’s hard to laugh or find the bright side of a situation when you are hurting, scared, and feeling overwhelmed.
I think that is important to acknowledge. And there is a definite grieving process that most people go through when they realize that the pain they are dealing with might be more than a temporary nuisance.
But at some point in your chronic pain journey, you’ll realize that pain has already taken too much from you.
Refuse to let it take your happiness, too.
In addition to making you feel better, laughter has many other potential health benefits. For example, it may:
- relieve pain
- help with depression
- reduce blood pressure
- improve lung and cardiovascular function
- reduce stress hormones
- boost immunity
- reduce anxiety
So, go ahead.
Search for the funny. Laugh.
Here are the things that I know will make me laugh, no matter how bad my mood may be:
My Brother, My Brother, and Me – I adore this podcast. Like, seriously. No matter how lousy I may be feeling these good, good boys never fail to make me laugh. Thank you so much, Justin, Travis, and Griffin. Great job!
Community – I love this sitcom from the first episode to the last. Even if you decide this one is not for you, do yourself a favor and at least watch the paintball episodes.
Friends – This is the sitcom my husband and I watch when we are taking a break from bingeing other shows. Our go-to. Or maybe our palate cleanser. Either way, great show.
New Girl – Wasn’t sure that I’d like this when it first came out, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. Quirky and zany sitcom in all the right ways. One of my all-time favorites.
Psych – You know I’m telling the truth when I recommend this one. Love it!
Scrubs – One of the few medical shows I’ve ever thought was worth watching.
Letterkenny – Funny all the way from Canada. A caution: it will make you want to try All-Dressed chips. Every single time you sit down to watch.
Bob’s Burgers – Wholesome. Funny. Leaves me feeling good every time.
How I Met Your Mother – Wonderful show, all the way up to the very last episode, which infuriated me to no end.
Parks and Recreation – This show, y’all. It makes me laugh. It makes me cry (in a good way). I want to go to there.
So, there ya go. From me to you.
I hope you give some of these shows a try if you’ve never watched them before. Or maybe even re-watch one. Your choice.
Enjoy!
Go ahead. Laugh. For better health.
