Lighten up

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We all have life challenges, stresses and trials.  The busyness and seriousness of our day can cause tension and irritability.  It's easy to get caught up in the serious aspects of relationships and family life. Sometimes we just need to allow ourselves to lighten up.  It's important that we take time for laughter.  According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter is a great stress reliever.  Laughter releases endorphins, natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude. (http://www.mayoclinic.org) Bringing laughter into a marriage relationship can help us reconnect, ease tensions  and just simply enjoy one another without the seriousness of life on our shoulders.  

We've got a great idea for lightening up and bringing a little laughter back into your relationship. How about a date night

Here's an idea. Create a laughter jar.  Jot down funny activities on some cards and toss them into the jar. Take turns picking out activity ideas and doing them for a good laugh.  Tensions will ease, endorphins will be released, and a night of laughter and fun will occur.  Here's a few ideas to get you started...

1. Share funny memories with each other

2. Pick a song for each other to sing for an improv Karaoke night

3. Choose an old comedy and watch it together

4. Start a pillow fight

5. Have a staring contest

6. Read a comics page from the newspaper together

Relationship Reconnection:

Laughter can ease uncomfortable, angry, or sad feelings and has the power to help you reconnect and feel close to others. Research shows the healthy humor is identified as a key to strengthening the cooperative efforts of a couple as they build their relationship. (Carlson, 1997) Laughing with your spouse can help you focus on the good times rather than the stresses and challenges.  Share funny memories with each other.  If you have kids, you'll have plenty to share, but try to bring in memories of just you and your spouse too.

Carlson, J. (1997). Techniques in Adlerian psychology. Washington, DC: Accelerated Development.