by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

"Cracking up can keep you from, well, cracking up."

-- Martha Beck

This week our Action Step was to laugh more often throughout each day. Did you find yourself chuckling, giggling, and laughing more this past week? Just thinking about laughing more often can trigger your brain to start seeing the humorous side of things -- even in situations we might not usually consider funny. And the nice thing about laughter is that it's contagious - when you start laughing, it's a mood boost for everyone around you as well!

I was once in a waiting room where a mother was playing with her daughter, who was about to undergo surgery for a serious condition. The two were improvising a silly skit with some puppets. They had the entire room full of moms and kids smiling and laughing along with them.

A little later, one mom said to her, "I really admire how you can laugh at a time like this." She replied, "If I don't laugh, I'll just cry." We all nodded in agreement.

Laughter not only lightens the mood, it also has proven physiological effects that reduce tension and stress, and give both our mind and body a feeling of greater well-being. That translates to a healthier you all around! The effects are much the same even if you laugh for no particular reason -- just start laughing!

So make this week's Action Step an Action Step for life. It's a gift you give yourself, your children, your family, and anyone who's lucky enough to be nearby when you're laughing out loud at life's little joys and funny moments.

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