“A kid laughs on average 300 times a day. An adult laughs on average…five times a day.” Wow! I was reading a blog by one of my favorite authors, James Altucher, when I stumbled across that startling statistic. All I could think about was what happens to us that so drastically declines our laughter?
As we get older, the bills add up and the responsibilities pile on. We now have to look out for so much more than just ourselves and honestly, it can become overwhelming. Our minds are so preoccupied with everything else going on that we lose touch with ourselves. We forget to do the simplest, yet the most profound thing we can do for ourselves: to be present.
When we are little, we aren’t as concerned with everything else going on in the world as we are with what is directly in front of us. I think that’s part of the reason why kids are so happy. They are always enjoying the present. If kids get hurt or upset, they cry or throw a fit and then they go right back to playing. When we become adults, it’s the opposite. We become so in tune with everything else that we lose that connection with the present. As adults, we also allow our stress or emotional bouts to carry on into other times in our lives. This is only another distraction and keeps us from being able to fully enjoy the moment. This loss of connection plays a huge part in the decline of laughter and fun in our lives.
I don’t know about you, but we need to bring that average back up. When we are present, we are able to more fully enjoy life, and this can lead to an enormous increase in laughter. So how do we get back to the present? I think that answer may vary a little from person to person, but here are some ways I bring myself back when I feel my mind drifting to my to-do list or what I could or should have gotten done today:
Breathe.
Breathing always brings me back to the present. I learned how to focus on my breath in yoga. Now I try to be more conscious of it, especially when I am stressed, upset or when I feel my mind racing. When my breath starts to get fast or shallow, I inhale deeply through my nose until I can feel my belly expand, and then exhale through my nose until all of the air is out. A few good breaths help me center myself.
Try something new.
When was the last time you tried something for the first time? Breaking out of your routine can definitely help you be more aware and present. I tried aerial yoga for the first time for my birthday (that’s me in the picture above) and it was a blast! It was so refreshing to be the new student in the class and just to try something new in general. My mind was attentive to the instruction and my body was elated for a break in my usual workout routine. The best part was just letting go and having fun! It’s nice to not have to take yourself so seriously and to be able to just laugh at yourself. I challenge you to do something you’ve been wanting to for a long time but haven’t quite gotten around to it.
Unplug.
Losing a connection to the outside world, even temporarily, can help you reconnect to the present. Disconnect from technology, whether it’s your cell phone, laptop, iPad, tablet, etc. Engage in that conversation with your friend over coffee or enjoy a dinner without checking emails. Maybe even go to the park, the museum or just explore your city. Once in a while, just spend quality time with yourself or loved ones.
If you try any of these or have tips on how you connect with the present and get your laughter back, please leave a comment below! Hugs!
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