We're approaching the holiday season, which tends to heighten anxiety and emotions. Believe in the magical benefits of smiling and laughing to enjoy the holidays.
A Guide to Spreading Laughter and Smiles This Holiday Season
Do you find the holiday season challenging? At times, does it bring out the worst in you? Well, it doesn't have to because there are numerous things you can do to embrace this magical time of year by smiling and laughing.
The Hustle And Bustle
Don't let the holiday season hustle and bustle get you down. It's so easy to get caught up in the commercial aspects of the season. Choose to do less than you did last year, including gift purchases and decorating. Both can be exhausting mentally, emotionally, and physically. This year, slow things down and spend more time in the moment. Yes, be mindful and focus on living in the moment. Enjoy as many aspects of the holidays as possible.
Embrace A Positive Attitude
Keep your attitude positive and focus on what you can control instead of what you can't.
Focusing on our limitations impacts our mindset and behaviour, creating tension and reducing our positive feelings and joy. Spend time concentrating on the good things in your life and practicing gratitude. When your thoughts become negative, redirect them to something positive about the situation. Remember, there is always something to be grateful for, and practising gratitude creates joy.
Smiling And Laughing More Will Change Your Life For The Better
When you're in a challenging situation or troubled, your negative thoughts can inhibit you from making the necessary rational decisions and reduce your patience to wait. In these moments, you need a distraction to allow a positive frame of mind control or allow time for your rational thoughts to emerge. Trust me, waiting it out will always provide better results.
A smile is a simple and valuable self-management tool and will offset your negative emotional state. Laughing and smiling send happy signals to your brain. Once that occurs, the thoughts your mind produces become positive. Smiling is so powerful it can make you forget what upset you. When you remember the upsetting situation, your brain's perspective towards the challenge changes. This strategy can also be very effective when you don't have time to deal with a problem and need to be upbeat and engaging for your next family visit (during the holidays) or meeting if you are at work.
If you feel down, you can override your emotions by watching a funny television show or movie or reading a humorous book. Smiling and laughter can redirect your mood and help you feel better. Once you regain a happy feeling, you can begin to experience joy and return to living in the moment!
12 Tips To Increase Smiling And Laughing During The Holiday Season
- Watch Comedy: Enjoy holiday-themed comedy movies or stand-up specials to induce laughter.
- Play Games: Engage in fun and lighthearted games with friends and family during gatherings.
- Share Jokes: Encourage sharing jokes and humorous anecdotes to create a festive atmosphere.
- Create Traditions: Establish laughter-related traditions, like a funny gift exchange or a silly holiday costume contest.
- Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the positive aspects of the holiday season to foster a sense of contentment and gratitude.
- Engage in Playful Activities: Participate in snowball fights, build snowmen, or have a friendly sledding competition.
- Volunteer: Giving back to the community can bring joy and smiles as you help those in need.
- Listen to Music: Play cheerful and uplifting holiday music to enhance the festive mood.
- Connect with Loved Ones: Spend quality time with family and friends, as their company often leads to laughter.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness exercises and meditation to reduce stress and increase happiness.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Be open to the unpredictability of the holidays, as funny and memorable moments often arise from spontaneity.
- Share Laughter with Kids: Children's laughter is contagious, so spend time with kids and engage in playful activities.
Remember that the holiday season is a time for joy and connection for many. Therefore, prioritize events that encourage smiling and laughter to make the festivities more enjoyable. Be sure to check out many more motivational blogs here.
This article was originally published on December 16, 2017, and has been updated (November 2023).
More Motivational Reads Here »
How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?
Sign up for monthly tips to build your Emotional Intelligence and reduce Emotional Hijacking!
