It started about 30 days ago. She hasn’t been herself some days and I’ve probed her about what is wrong. She doesn’t know exactly why she feels sad and just wants to sleep. “I wish I could sleep until this pandemic is over,” she says.
That was me, a week ago. I’m not usually depressed or sad but lately, it’s been creeping up on me. Not every day but more than I care to admit. This stay-at-home order, this coronavirus pandemic, has many of us just not ourselves. As a Christian, I have faith God will provide and take care of me, but some days I doubt. I read His Word, pray and listen to sermons, and I still have fear of the uncertainties. As I talk to others and read articles from doctors, these feelings are normal.
A pandemic is no laughing matter. Whether the news is hyped up or not, the honest truth is life has changed for all of us. And to be honest, I don’t think it will look the same as we knew it when the lockdown is lifted.
What coping mechanisms are beneficial during this time of lockdown? A way to cope is by laughing.
Some of the memes and images on social media have me laughing out loud! Who thinks these things up? And my husband keeps me sane with his dry sense of humor. I believe our laugh-filled life is what has kept us together all these years.
A simple truth to anchor our soul is laughter.
From personal experience, laughing helps me to relax, feel more positive and have less tension. In my research, I was surprised at some of the benefits of how laughing can help us. From Mayo Clinic:
- Laughter can strengthen our immune system
- Lower blood pressure
- Minimizes our fears
- Decreases pain
- Shrinks our problems
God gave us laughter as a gift.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 NLT
A time to weep and a time to laugh; Ecclesiastes 3:4 AMP
“Laughter is an instant vacation” ~ Milton Berle
“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” ~ Dr. Seuss
“Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
“I never would have made it if I could not have laughed. It lifted me momentarily out of this horrible situation, just enough to make it livable.” Viktor Frankl, a concentration camp survivor
As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul. ~ Jewish proverb
A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 AMP
We’ve lost some privileges lately, but don’t lose your sense of humor. I’m thankful for the funny people in my life. If you need a laugh, call someone to tell them a knock-knock joke. Watch some funny videos on youtube. Write a funny status on your Facebook for others to have a laugh. And laugh at yourself. Laughter is good medicine.
Thanks for reading. Please feel free to share this post with others.
This picture cracks me up every time I see it. It was a fun girl weekend that included these facials. When I need a laugh, I just look at this picture.
So true Barbara. My husband rarely uses the internet and does not have or want facebook. However, I have been sharing every funny thing that crosses my path with him. He actually laughs harder than I do at most of it. Both our moods are lifted in sharing laughter.
Yes, Gina, laughter does improve our moods around here too. Thank you for sharing with your husband.
Wow My Friend we are two peas in a pod. God is good! I believe and I know this is all for a reason. America needs to stand strong on the word of God. We were designed by Him for Him and we have gotten off base.
My Hope is in HIM not the media…
Thank you for your blog and know HE’s got this!!!
Love and miss y’all OXOX
Thank you for your comment. Yes, God is in control and I’m so thankful He is. Miss you friend. 🙂