Creating a Supportive Environment
Just as a gardener prepares the soil for a seed to grow, we can prepare our personal environment to be more fertile ground for joy and laughter. The people we spend time with and the information we consume have a profound impact on our mood and outlook. Making a few conscious choices can make a world of difference.
Curate Your Media Diet
It is so easy to get caught up in a 24-hour news cycle that focuses on conflict and crisis. While staying informed is important, it’s also crucial for our mental health to balance it with uplifting content. Make a conscious effort to seek out funny movies, lighthearted books, and positive news stories. Unfollow social media accounts that consistently make you feel anxious or angry, and follow ones that share funny cartoons, cute animal videos, or inspiring stories. You are the curator of your own mental space; fill it with things that make you feel good.
Spend Time with Your Laughter Tribe
Laughter is incredibly contagious. Think about it: when you hear someone else letting out a genuine, uninhibited laugh, it’s almost impossible not to smile yourself. Identify the people in your life who have a great sense of humor—the ones who see the funny side of things and don’t take themselves too seriously. Make an effort to spend more time with them. Whether it’s a weekly phone call, a regular coffee date, or joining a social club, surrounding yourself with joyful, positive people is one of the best things you can do for your own well-being.
