The Power of Laughter

From Awkward to Connected: The Power of Shared Laughter

Over the weekend, my wife and I were on a double date with a couple that we were getting to know. As is common when getting to know people, there were times of awkwardness, conversation lulls, and overall uncomfortable feelings. A couple of hours into the get together, something happened that caused all four of us to laugh hysterically for ten minutes straight. From that moment on, we felt more connected with the couple and the awkwardness completely dissipated for the remainder of the evening.

Why Laughter Matters for Mental Health

Laughter is a powerful thing that can have a significant impact on overall mental health. I’m sure you can identify instances in which your mood was low or off and a funny experience had a quick and significant impact into improving your mood. Neurological research has shown that laughter is a very complex process that includes multiple regions of your brain which helps you get out of your head and become grounded into the present moment. This makes it near impossible to experience distressing emotions such as anxiety, anger, or sadness while laughing. Additionally, laughter helps relax your body, shift perspectives, and help you feel more connected to those around you.

It is very important to incorporate laughter into your day-to-day life if you are wanting to improve your mental health. However, the presence of depression, anxiety, addiction, difficult relationships, etc. can make it difficult to have meaningful experiences with laughter. These issues also make it more difficult to consider things that can bring laughter. If you are struggling to identify activities that can bring laughter, consider engaging in the following:

– Watch a funny movie, TV show, or online video

– Organize a group trip to a comedy club

– Spend time with funny people

– Share a joke or funny story with a loved one

– Host a game night with friends

– Play with a pet

– Make time for fun activities (e.g. bowling, mini golf, goat yoga)

Make Room for Humor in Healing

If you are struggling with your mental health, I would encourage you to consider how often you are having moments of genuine laughter. If you find that you don’t laugh often, set goals and make plans to make more space in your life for humor and see what kind of difference it can make in the way you feel about yourself, others, and your environment.

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Based on 44 reviews

Sam

I have gone through multiple therapist trying to find the right one. I finally found a fantastic one, which is KAT! Go see her. She is incredible.

Brielle Chigbu

Jen has helped me so much. I have loved IFS and diving deeper into my different parts. She has so many great tools in her tool belt and is a great listener. I could not recommend a better therapist than her for my needs!

Aimree

I've taken therapy from Sarah for three years and she's amazing! I'm so thankful for her patience and dedication and I highly recommend her!!

Scott Christensen

Jen is awesome!!!

Alex Thomas

Cascade Counseling is a safe and comfortable space for anyone seeking therapy! I know the owner personally and can guarantee that the most important aspect of their daily operations is patient care. I am extremely thankful to know I have a place to go where I will be well taken care of!

O o

Really relaxing and well thought out. The entrance is a little difficult, but manageable.

Rachel Taylor

I'd been through 4-5 therapists without finding the right fit, when I finally met Joel. It honestly felt like winning the lottery! He truly listened, offered practical tools, and helped me through some of the darkest seasons of my life. I’d recommend Cascade Counseling to anyone looking for a caring, compassionate therapist.

Travis Carter

Very professional and punctual but flexible at the same time. Sessions feel personal and hopeful. Joel is really good about being aware of your goals and aspirations and will help you find them. He can relate to a younger generation like myself with his age and style. He also has gone through a lot in order to understand others.

Bobby Shaw

This place is amazing. I would love to comment more about Kat I got the pleasure to work with her when she was a psych tech at Ascend Recovery. I always knew she was meant to do bigger and better things. She’s now a counselor at “Cascade Counseling” so proud of her. I trust her full heartedly with my own child. Cascade Counseling is the place to go!!!

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