When was the last time you let yourself laugh?

Does laughter ease pain? On the surface, it’s an easy question, but it can be hard to recall moments of pure laughter in the face of pain. We don’t always know what the day will hold for moments of peace, joy, or everyday blunders that throw us off. Living with chronic pain can have a similar result when we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated with ourselves. Finding purposeful moments of joy is not as easy as it looks in a sitcom, but it can be life-giving when we need it most. At Supportegy, we believe in learning how to live a meaning-filled life, through being open to new possibilities, expressing your thoughts, dreams, and everything in between. Allowing laughter into your life is a great way to get unstuck while taking strides in your journey.

When Did Laughter Become a Source of Empowerment?

Did you know that researchers have studied laughter for over 50 years? We can all laugh, but it’s easy to focus on the negative realities of life that steal joy. There is a unique avenue of research that has revealed theories of humour. The two most common theories we see daily are relief theory and incongruity theory. Relief theory states that laughter results from an interpersonal need for humour to relieve pent-up tension or nervous energy. Think about your go-to show on a bad day. Do you watch it for the familiar storyline or because it will make you laugh? Alternatively, incongruity theory focuses on the role of perception and interpretation, believing that laughter is a result of responding to an unexpected punchline. Some have the unique ability to break the ice and make a fool of themselves. Unexpected flops or actions can make even the most reserved person release a laugh. Researchers know the importance of laughter, but its greatest gift is its ability to empower us to cope with pain healthily.

While humour is good, there is a flip side to using humour as a form of coping. How often do you use yourself as the punchline of a joke? While it can make people laugh, its detrimental humour takes a toll the more we use it. Sarcasm and self-deprecating jokes have been found to negatively impact your self-esteem and harm your relationships with others. So why is it so addicting as a form of coping?

At Supportegy, we understand firsthand the emotions and limiting beliefs associated with chronic illness. We blame ourselves and can feel burdensome, making it easy to fall into a negative mindset. Our goal is to assist you in shifting the narrative of chronic illness, helping you to see meaning and wonder in your life again. It is up to you to decide what kind of person your chronic illness will make you be. However, learning how to find joy at the end of the day alongside family and friends is part of your journey toward a meaning-filled life. 

What Are the Health Benefits of Laughter?

Hearing the phrase “Laughter is good for the soul,” can seem cheesy, but laughter is one of the most effective ways to support your physical, emotional, and mental health. On a physical level, laughter causes the body to relax, releasing endorphins for temporary pain relief that can last for hours. Tension in the body is formed as a result of stress, but laughter can stimulate blood circulation and muscle relaxation. Laughter can also help to decrease your heart rate and blood pressure, helping to lower the risk of a heart attack.

One of the best approaches to coping with chronic illness is finding ways to lower your stress response. From a mental health perspective, laughter can have a positive impact when dealing with anxiety and depression due to living with a chronic illness. It can be easy to disconnect from your support network, but finding joy in everyday life can mean we need to push ourselves to move towards a community rather than away. In the face of difficult topics, laughter can defuse tension while finding a positive approach to discussing your condition.

Did you know that laughter counts as a form of exercise? Often referred to as “internal jogging”, it can help burn up to 40 calories a day just by laughing for 10 – 15 minutes!

5 Tips for How To Unleash Your Laughter

At Supportegy, we work with you to offer tips to manage the mind-body connection, resulting in controlled or less frequent flare-ups. Wellness coaching is not just about changing what you eat or how you exercise. It is about radically shifting your definition of wellness by working with your condition(s). Regardless of where you are on your journey with chronic illness, your resiliency and strength are something to be celebrated, and it could be the encouragement that your peers need as well. We have five meaning-filled tips to help you find ways to include laughter in your everyday life, empowering you to share hope through your life story.

• Avoid perfectionism: We don’t always have it all together despite our best efforts. Keeping yourself held to a standard that you can’t make a mistake or take time for joy can negatively impact how you see yourself and your value. Don’t be afraid to show yourself grace.
• Laugh at the small stuff:  When things don’t go according to plan, or a mishap occurs, look for ways to see the humour in the situation rather than feel frustrated with yourself or the circumstances.
• Add self-care to your weekly routine: Where can you make room in your routine to go for a walk in nature or sit down and watch a show? Never doubt the power of a funny video, show, or podcast when we need it most.
• Connect with others: Sharing positive memories or funny life moments with family and friends can help to strengthen your community connections while letting people in when it is easier to want to disconnect.
• Think positive: You are not defined by your pain, your illness, or your circumstances. How can you shift your perspective to see the joy in what has happened today? Whether it is a manageable pain day or you spent time connecting and reminiscing, these moments can help you to see the beauty in life.

We recognize that laughter is a temporary fix to a long-term reality. Still, we can’t deny that it is a natural human response to life. We are each capable of breaking out in contagious laughter because we are designed to be a human laugh detector, and that does not diminish the progress you have made towards living a meaning-filled life and coping with your chronic illness. 

If you are looking for an opportunity to connect and grow in community, we offer a variety of online and in-person coaching services that can be tailored to your specific needs and desire. Your story is life-changing, and your voice can empower others with hope. Interested in taking the next step and trying something new? Contact us today to book a free consultation and take the first step toward your transformation.