this year, resolve to laugh more

​​By the time many of you get around to reading this, you might have already broken your New Year’s Resolutions at least once or twice.  That isn’t meant as a negative dig; most of us make and break resolutions without even thinking about the reasons why.  Usually, resolutions aren’t decisions that come from our hearts. Instead, they are something we do out of tradition or even obligation.  They are what we think we “should” do instead of what we actually want to do.
 
Well, I suggest that we turn that backward way of thinking around!  Ringing in the New Year is supposed to be a celebration, so instead of beginning anew with drudgery, let’s focus on a resolution that will bring joy and togetherness to you and your family.  This year, I propose that you resolve to laugh more.
 
As Americans, stress has become a way of life for many of us.  A recent global poll by Gallup found that adults in the US are among the most stressed in the world.  https://time.com/5577626/americans-stressed-out-gallup-poll/  We all know that the effects of stress are detrimental to our physical and psychological health, and this impacts how we live our lives and how we interact with our families.  However, we can’t just pretend that stress doesn’t exist either; it’s part of life.
 
Luckily, it seems that the best antidote for stress is laughter!  A 2019 article in HelpGuide.org claims that laughter really is the best medicine. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm In addition to relaxing your muscles, it releases endorphins, boosts your immune system, burns calories, and helps protect your heart.  And although there doesn’t seem to be a study or poll on this, I think we can also agree that laughing brings a family together like almost nothing else.
 
So, instead of getting caught up in all the things that you think you “should” do to improve your health, your waistline, and your family, why not resolve to do the one simple and fun thing that will accomplish all of them?  This year, laugh more.
 
As you ring in 2020, I wish you happiness, peace, and of course, laughter.

Kelly McIntire is a children’s author who believes that magic and adventure should begin in childhood and last a lifetime.  Her books include Time Twistedand Adventures in Fairy Meadow.
Visit her website at www.kellymcintireonline.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kellymcintirewriter/?ref=bookmarks.