Laughing is healthy. But what if you feel there is nothing to laugh about? Some problems simply make a person sad in everyday life and there is not always anything you can do about them. But if there is actually no reason to feel sad and you are, then you can try the following tips. You can fake laughing until you start laughing for real. Even fake laughter releases chemicals in your brain that make you happy. So, raise the corners of your mouth if you want to feel a little happier.
Laugh, even when there is nothing to laugh about
Research has shown that people who laugh a lot become happier. As soon as the corners of the mouth rise, a substance is produced in our brain that makes you happier. So raise the corners of your mouth, smile and see if it works. Another important tip when it comes to laughing: fake a giggle… That is to say: pretend to have a giggle, so laugh loudly (you are then acting loudly) hit yourself on the thighs (fake) laugh and try to imitate all kinds of loud laughter. Be corny on command, pretend you’re laughing your ass off. If you do it right (so that it looks real) there is a very good chance that your ‘fake laughter’ will turn into real laughter. No idea why, but laughing is terribly laughable.
What else can you do to become happier?
- Muster up some energy and go see a laugh-out-loud movie. You can also watch a funny movie on DVD that you have seen before and are sure you like. Once you laugh, you will naturally become happier. It’s even more fun if you watch the film together with others.
- Happiness in love makes people happier, even euphoric. So keep your eyes and ears open in search of true love.
- Going out with a friend, or with a group, often makes a person feel better. Even if you go out alone and meet nice people, you can become a lot happier.
- If you have someone visiting and you are over 18, a glass of wine or beer can sometimes make you infinitely happier. Don’t drink too much alcohol, of course, because that will only make you sick.
- Jokes may be as old as humanity itself, but it is still a good way to make someone laugh. If there is no one around you who can tell you a joke, search for jokes on the internet.
- People generally become happier from cuddling and (once they are adults) also from making love.
- Good music, but a bit of cheerful music, can really boost your mood.
- Throwing a party makes you happy.
- Exercise has a positive influence on our mood.
- Achieving your goal gives you the nice feeling of success, so try to set small goals that you can achieve. That makes you happy.
- Many people become happy when they go shopping. Apparently we enjoy treating ourselves to something new.
- A pet helps against loneliness and can therefore make you happier.
- Eating something tasty can make us happier. Eating out and drinking something tasty on a terrace or in a café can also make us very happy.
- Chocolate appears to make people happier, but don’t eat too much of it.
- People often laugh in one way or another about sweaty feet, nose picking, belching, stories about turds, vomit and naked fellow human beings.
- Party stores sell things that make some people happier.
- A good conversation about your problems can give you relief and make you feel happier afterwards.
- Make sure your tear ducts don’t become clogged and dare to cry if you feel the need to, as you can feel a lot happier afterwards.
- Seek out other people regularly and try to avoid being alone too much. Pick up the phone and call someone to make arrangements.
Medicines to feel happier
Of course there are many more things that can make you happier. If people are really very sad, there are also medications that help in many situations and can take away the sadness. All people are sad at times in their lives, and sometimes such a sad period lasts longer than a few days. Even if you think that sadness will never go away, in almost all cases it does go away, even though you may not be able to imagine it very well on gloomy days. Sadness, like cheerfulness or happiness, does not last forever. Life is just like a river, the water is high or low and it only flows in one direction. Swimming against the current is of little use, it exhausts you. Just flowing with the river until you reach land again is usually best. In the meantime, it is wise (and it does take some perseverance) to help yourself a little by trying things that can make you happier. It is important in life that you can be a good friend to yourself.
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.
Oscar Wilde.
If you can’t make yourself happy, what then?
If you are unable to become happier and if you suffer from sadness, you may be suffering from depression. Please contact your doctor. They can help you find out what is causing it and what can be done about it.