The semester has been difficult and I have been feeling morose. So much so that I have really been thinking about myself and my life in very critical ways. Asking myself questions like, "What character flaws do I have that make me feel this way?" and "Is this really what I want to do with my life?", etc. etc. etc.
I still don't have the answers. However, I do know that there are ways to cheer up no matter how depressed you are feeling. (Unless you are feeling suicidal, at which point you should call a local or regional helpline if you don't feel comfortable calling a friend.)
How to cheer up: LAUGH
Laughter is contagious. If enough people around you are chortling, guffawing, and absolutely howling, you can't help but do it, too. Here is proof, and I would like to commend the first laugh-er for getting it started.
I still don't have the answers. However, I do know that there are ways to cheer up no matter how depressed you are feeling. (Unless you are feeling suicidal, at which point you should call a local or regional helpline if you don't feel comfortable calling a friend.)
How to cheer up: LAUGH
Laughter is contagious. If enough people around you are chortling, guffawing, and absolutely howling, you can't help but do it, too. Here is proof, and I would like to commend the first laugh-er for getting it started.
Laughter triggers various positive physiological responses (as paraphrased from http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm):
-The release of endorphins (and as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde says, "Endorphins make people happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands.")
-Relaxation: laughter relieves physical tension, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to ~45 minutes afterwards
-Boosts the immune system: laughter reduces stress-induced hormones and increases antibodies
And, BONUS:
Laughter can help prevent cardiovascular disease by improving the function of blood vessels, thus improving blood flow to your heart.
A simple smile should also not be underestimated. Not only are we naturally attracted to people who smile, but when we smile, it naturally makes us feel good. Why else do people watch really cute videos of baby animals?
If you're ever feeling down, just watch something funny. Find humor in as much of life as possible. I like to watch America's Funniest Home Videos. There is a channel on YouTube here that I subscribe to in order to get a dose of laughter several times a week. Being able to laugh at events that are caught on home video has made it easier for me to laugh at myself, rather than be embarrassed, when I do stupid things. I am not claiming perpetual happiness, but I do know that life goes on, and that somewhere in the world, somebody is giggling.
