Although addiction recovery is a serious matter, that does not mean that there is not room for some light-hearted moments as well. In fact, taking the time to laugh again can actually support recovery efforts. During treatment, clients often spend a lot of time discussing their situation and how it has impacted their life. They examine what led to it, what the results were, what they can do to change things for the future and more. These can be some heavy topics. Laughing does not mean that they are not taking their situation seriously; it means that they are healing.
Humor can lighten the mood. Laughing stimulates the production of endorphins which are a natural mood booster. This can help people to feel more positive and motivate them to keep pushing forward. When faced with challenges, they can feel more confident in tackling them rather than letting them drag down their mood. In tough situations, making a joke can help to ease tensions and diffuse arguments. It can be a way to alleviate stress and relax.
Looking back at how far they have come in recovery, many people eventually see the humor in their past. While in the moment a situation may not have been funny, looking back, it can be. While under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they probably found themselves in many awkward moments. Being able to laugh at themselves and the things they did can help clients to move on and realize that they do not want to repeat those same events. It can also provide a means to connect with others through sharing stories and laughing together.
Look on the bright side of things. Every situation has at least two sides. Humor can allow people to step back and see things from a new perspective. Rather than focusing on the negatives, they can begin to see the brighter side. They see how much they have changed and the struggles that they have overcome. These challenges have made them stronger and wiser. Taking a fresh approach to things with a new attitude can ease the transition when implementing changes.
Be Patient
Learning to laugh again can take time. Some people need to work through other emotions before they feel as though they can truly laugh. Start off with a smile, which is often the precursor to laughter. Simply smiling can help people to begin feeling better.
Make an effort to include humor in the day. Watch a funny movie. Play a silly game with friends. Listen to a stand-up comedian. There are many activities to try. It can be hard not to laugh in certain situations, even when feeling down. Slowly people will realize that they are laughing more, have a more positive outlook, and feel better in general. Life is full of humor if people are open to seeing it.
If you are ready to gain a new outlook on life and start a fresh chapter, contact Chapters Capistrano today. Our flexible treatment approach and comprehensive program will help you to not only overcome the challenges of addiction, but also add humor back into your life.
