Fox Poo Is Not A Laughing Matter

This April's Stress Awareness month, I'm sharing some of my top tips for de-stressing. And here's a firm favourite:

Laughter!

Pretty obvious, right? But when we take life too seriously, or we're bogged down in work, we often forget to have fun. Many a time I'm reminded that I lose my sense of humour after 9pm, exhausted after a long day, it's hard, I get it.

This morning, April Fool's Day, I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a cup of tea by my butter-wouldn't-melt daughter. She was so proud to make my breakfast-in-bed on Mother's Day, I accepted her offer, oblivious to the date and not suspicious of her at all.

One gulp of tea later and I understood why she'd been so keen - it had SALT in it - yuk!

"April Fool!"

I had indeed been fooled, and for a split second I was annoyed, however, as I saw her doubled over in laughter I couldn't help but join in. After all, laughter is infectious. And for the next few minutes we rolled around the floor laughing our heads off.

All the tension from my shoulders slipped away and for those few moments I didn't have a care in the world. Then I was reminded of the "fox poo" video blooper I had recorded a few days earlier...

Rolling in fox poo is funny at the time, until you remember you're the one shampooing it later

So it hardly needs spelling out. Laughter reduces stress in so many wonderful ways, it;

1. Triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which help lower stress hormones like cortisol.

2. Promotes relaxation by soothing tense muscles and improving blood flow, which can alleviate physical symptoms of stress.

3. Boosts our mood and shifts focus away from our worries, providing a mental break that helps reset the mind.

4. Fosters social connection and offers a more positive perspective on stressful situations, and;

5. Helps create a sense of internal calm and balance.

So what are you waiting for...?

Mr Pancake Face, always good for a laugh!