Depression’s Secret Weapon: Part Three
Bet you didn’t know horses can laugh, did you? Okay, so I think we probably all agree that it is fun to laugh. Laughing is universal.
But maybe if you are reading this and you are one of the many who suffer from depression, you are wondering if laughing isn’t a little pointless. I mean, what difference is it really going to make in the long run?
That is what ‘Depression Getaway’ is built on; the idea that little differences can add up to make a BIG difference!
Laughing is only one of the ‘getaways’ we will look at. Now that we have agreed that it is fun to laugh, let’s take a quick look at why laughing is so good for us.
”Laughter is the Best Medicine” claims that laughter relaxes the whole body, boosts the immune system, triggers the release of endorphins, and protects the heart.
“Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.”
Wow, and all of that is free! And with no nasty side effects! We cannot afford to put this tool, LAUGHTER, anywhere but at the TOP of our list of depression getaways.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Are you convinced yet? Are you willing to try this out? Still more proof to come next time.
I am so glad you stopped by today. Join me again at ‘Depression Getaway’ and together we will live, care, laugh, share, learn, discover, forgive and recover.
Don’t give up, I’m praying for you!
Wendy Love
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About a month after my girlfriend’s husband died, I stopped by for a cup of tea and we sat outside in the sun. I was there for moral support, but honestly I had no idea if I should say anything important. But suddenly it occurred to me that being a widow was like being a divorcee. And I proceeded to explain why I thought that. We ended up roaring with laughter, right after she agreed that while a widow receives benefits and a divorcee receives alimony, at least a widow didn’t have to take him to court if he missed a payment.
I love your blog, Wendy. I have been fighting depression almost all of my life, and I’m exhausted. Laughing about anything is silly and fun and great medicine.
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing that story Joylene! Laughter is absolutely the best thing ever isn’t it? One of my daughters often says to her kids when they are in a snit, ‘now don’t smile, no smiling allowed!’ and that usually does the trick.
Thanks for the compliment about the blog. Don’t give up, I’m praying for you!
I rarely LOL… usually it’s more like SALTS (smile a little then stop). Probably because it is difficult to laugh alone. Think I’ll go for a long walk now and think about that.
Thanks for dropping by! Walking and thinking, two of my favorite activities!
No, I didn’t know that horses could laugh, but that pic sure made me laugh.
I know when I’m down, and I get into a laughing fit, ususally with the girls at work, I feel MUCH better after.
Thanks for dropping by! I do love that horse, somehow he needs a name, maybe Laughing Larry would do.
I just found your blog. I have OCD, depression accompanied it in the past. It is still scary because I know it has the potential to return and I hope I remember all these tools to use to combat it. I hope you will visit my blog someday and follow if you’d like. I look forward to reading your posts and thank you for reaching out to people in the way you do.
Krystal,
I’m so glad you dropped by. Keeping depression at bay is hard work but there are tools that will definitely help. Don’t give up! I’m praying for you! And I will definitely drop by and visit you soon.
Wendy Love