How do you unwind after a demanding day?

Laughter

By Tracy Schruder

After a demanding day, I find relief in watching funny videos and television shows that make me laugh. This simple pleasure has a profound effect on my stress levels, allowing me to shift my focus away from the pressures of the day. Interestingly, laughter also triggers memories of past stressful situations that, in hindsight, have become humorous anecdotes.

One such experience that comes to mind is a particularly harrowing incident from my time working in a factory on the paint line. The machinery consisted of moving hangers that suspended metal pieces above shoulder height, carrying them into an electrified paint system. On this particular day, I was preoccupied with my thoughts and not fully present. Before I knew it, one of the hangers caught my shirt sleeve at the shoulder, lifting me off the floor and propelling me towards the dangerous machinery. Thankfully, my boss spotted the situation and shut down the line just in time. I was yelling, and my heart was racing.

At the time, the experience was terrifying, and the aftermath was stressful. We had emergency safety training, which meant everyone had to stay an extra hour after their shift. Some co-workers were understandably frustrated, but were ultimately glad I was okay and took it easy on me. Some of them actually found it quite funny and giggled about the whole situation. I reflected on the incident later, I realized that laughter could be a powerful antidote to stress.

When I shared the story with my husband, his reaction surprised me. Instead of offering sympathy, he burst out laughing. Initially, I was taken aback, but his infectious laughter soon had me giggling too. The relief was palpable, and we spent the rest of the evening chuckling about the incident. For weeks afterward, whenever he asked about my day, he’d smile and say, “Any more paint line adventures?” and we’d laugh together.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of humor in coping with stress. By choosing to see the lighter side of unfortunate events, I’ve found that I can alleviate some of the tension and anxiety that comes with them. When all else fails, I turn to my favorite comedies, and laughter does the rest.

Conclusion

In the end, laughter is a potent tool for unwinding after a stressful day. By finding the humor in challenging situations and allowing ourselves to laugh, we can shift our perspective and reduce tension. Whether it’s watching funny videos, sharing humorous stories, or simply enjoying a good comedy show, laughter has the power to transform our experiences and leave us feeling lighter, freer, and more at peace.

Thank you for reading 😊🤗🙏