It's hard to be upset when you're laughing.Laughter lowers your body's stress response, making you feel calm and relaxed.It may not have much effect on people who suffer from chronic stress associated with anxiety or depression.If you're feeling burned out from an approaching deadline, a difficult day at work, or other minor frustrations, laughter is a quick and easy way to reduce your stress levels.
Step 1: You should spend time with people who are funny.
Some people have a sense of humor.Spending time with friends or relatives who make you laugh on a regular basis is a way to reduce stress.Even if it's a text message or phone call, keep in touch with funny people.You can get coffee, have dinner, or just walk through the park.You will get to spend time with a close friend or family member if you end up having a great laugh.
Step 2: Listen to comedies.
Comedy is meant to make you laugh.If you're feeling stressed, watching a funny movie or listening to a stand-up comedian's routine can make you laugh and feel less stressed.Short-form comedy clips can be found on your computer or phone.When you're short on time, this is a great way to laugh.While you commute to and from work, listen to comedy radio or stand-up albums.This is an alternative to listening to the news.It will allow you to keep your mind off of negative things.Comedy shows are performed live in your area, so treat yourself to an outing at the comedy club.
Step 3: Keep funny things at hand.
If you need to laugh quickly at work or school, keep items that make you laugh at your desk or locker.You could hang up funny photos, comic strips, or souvenirs from humorous occasions.
Step 4: It is possible to find humor in silly situations.
Laughing to ease stress doesn't have to be funny.Sometimes the best laughs come from silly situations.It is possible to lighten your mood by finding humor in the way a sports fan takes victories and losses so seriously.Don't be cruel with your laughter.Try to find humor in situations where people are taking themselves too seriously.You can laugh at yourself if you goof up, but make sure you're not being self-deprecating.You may need to rethink your perspective if laughing at yourself involves thoughts like, "That was so stupid of me."Learning to laugh at yourself can help you develop more resilience and avoid taking yourself too seriously.
Step 5: Comedians can learn jokes.
A joke lightens a tense situation.You can either learn jokes and tell others to laugh or you can read jokes to make yourself laugh.You can find jokes online or in a joke book.If you intend to read the jokes at work or tell them during social situations, make sure they are appropriate.Don't joke that puts down marginalized groups of people.There are jokes that are racist, misogynistic, and homophobic.
Step 6: A laugh therapy group.
For some people that may not be enough, you can find ways to laugh in your own circles.If you're dealing with more serious problems that are causing you stress, like a serious illness or life trauma, laugh therapy may be a good addition to your medical treatment.Small groups of individuals are helped by laugh therapy.The goal of laugh therapy is to heal and reduce stress.You can find laugh therapy groups in your area if you ask your doctor or therapist to add it to your treatment plan.
Step 7: Don't laugh at someone's expense.
It is possible to tease one another about certain topics if you have a close friendship with a colleague.You should not make fun of qualities that someone might feel self-conscious about or laugh at someone else's expense.Make fun of someone's weight, age, race, religion, ethnicity, or appearance.It is not appropriate for a friend to joke about these qualities.Ask yourself if someone will be hurt or offended by a joke.It's best to ignore that joke if you think the answer is yes.
Step 8: Don't use laughter as an avoidance.
Some people use laughter to escape serious problems in their life.The use of laughter is not a good way to deal with stress since it actively avoids the underlying problems you're dealing with.If you're joking about serious life changes or trauma, you might be doing more harm than good.Some people use laughter as a defense.Once you've dealt with the issues and learned from them, you can laugh about them.
Step 9: There are serious issues that need help.
Laughing won't suffice if you're struggling to cope with trauma.If you have a serious condition like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, you may need to work with a therapist or take medication.If you feel stressed, anxious or nervous most of the time, you may need the help of a mental health care provider.Ask your doctor if you can work with a therapist.If you want to find therapists in your area, you can either search online or check your phone book.
Step 10: Use relaxation techniques.
Laughter may not be enough if you're stressed.relaxation techniques can be used to cope with stress and difficult emotions.The process of progressive muscle relaxation involves releasing tension by tensing each muscle group.Try to hold each muscle group's tension for at least 5 seconds, then let your muscles relax for 30 seconds before repeating.Concentration on your breath can be used to release stress and emotions.Hold the breath for five seconds, then exhale slowly as you count to five.Try using the app to meditate.Tai Chi and yoga involve slow, deliberate movements and stretches to achieve a calming sense of well-being.
Step 11: You have to get enough sleep each night.
Stress levels can be affected by insufficient sleep.This can increase your risk of developing stress related problems over time.Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but some may need 10 or 11 hours to be fully rested.Teenagers need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep each night.School-age children need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep, but some may need as much as 12 hours a night.
Step 12: You should exercise on a regular basis.
Exercise is a great way to deal with stress.Exercise helps burn off excess energy and make you feel better.When you're struggling to process stress, it can have a meditative effect.Even if you don't have much time, physical activity can help manage stress.If you can't fit in an hour of gym time, make time for several 10-minute walks or ride your bicycle to work out.You should choose activities you enjoy.If you don't like jogging, try a yoga class, swimming, or roller skating class.You can use an app called "Couch to 5K" to help you get into jogging.Gradually working up to a fitness level is important.To make sure your body is healthy enough to handle physical activity, talk to your doctor.
Step 13: Look for social support.
If you're dealing with stress problems, you need social support.You can find social support by reaching out to people you know and trust.You can trust the people in your social support network.You could try to find people who share your interests using a website such as meetup.com.Which trustworthy people in your life are easiest to talk to?A relative who works full-time and has several children at home may not be as easy to reach as a single friend.Let your support network know about stress in your life.Do you have the ability to call, text, or visit during difficult times?When things are going well in your life, make sure to ask your friends and relatives how they are doing.They won't feel like you're only contacting them when you need help.
Step 14: Change your outlook.
A lot of people pile on stress by taking a strict attitude.You might feel like everything needs to be perfect all the time, whether it's at work, school, or just keeping the house in order.This type of outlook can be very damaging over time.If you find yourself thinking "I need to" or " I must", try to stop and observe your thoughts.If you find yourself thinking other people need, must, or have to be a certain way, make sure to catch yourself.Each time you engage in this type of thinking, try using a counter and clicking it.This will make you aware of how often you have these thoughts.Referring to the thoughts is a must.You might think, "I wish things were different, but the situation is what it is."I can't change it, so I'll accept it and make the best of it.Reward yourself for good behavior instead of punishing it.A qualified therapist may be able to help you change your outlook.Ask your doctor if therapy is right for you.