F is for Friendship and L is for Laughter
Throughout my 49 years and at each stage of life, I have experienced various opportunities for developing new friendships. Moving to multiple cities and states for my husband’s career, new schools for the children, new jobs, new neighbors, church, hobbies, and my children’s sports events, have all led to friendships over the years. I have childhood friendships, met supportive women at playgroups as a new- young mom, developed friendships through school/sports events, and cultivated friendships through art classes and volunteering. I value my mentor relationships of seasoned, wiser woman, and that of my adult children (yes, our parenting roles can turn to friendship roles as our kids mature), my spouse, co-workers, and family members. No matter how, where, or under what circumstances you meet your friends; there is one universal benefit to friendship: Friendships help us grow through each year and stage of our lives.
Friendship shows us how to forgive, laugh, have conversations, social connections, and develop empathy. Friendships help to keep our minds and body strong. A Harvard study concluded that having solid friendships in our life even helps promote brain health. Friendships help us to deal with stress. We all have stressful circumstances balancing jobs, family, money, and health. Having friendships enhance our lifestyles choices to keep us engaged and allow us to rebound from crisis more quickly. In A-Z for Me! I write, “A true friend walks with you in good times and when you struggle.”
Friendship and laughter pair together. Laughter helps increase endorphins. Science says humor and joy are important part of life. Laughing lowers blood pressure and stress hormones. It increases circulation of antibodies in the blood stream that makes you more resistant to infection. Laughing relives physical tension and stress. Muscles relax for 45 mins after a good laugh. With children, cultivating laughter can be easy. Tell jokes, check out humorous books at the library, watch comedy movies, dance to music in your house, and sing songs. To help your child with friendships, refer to the anthology of books I have compiled or read this article as a helpful resource. https://www.verywellfamily.com/making-and-keeping-friends-2633627
In my book, A-Z for Me! I write, “Humor and Joy bring laughter & laughter makes you feel HAPPY! Did you know that laughing is good for your body? Laughter relieves stress and helps you stay healthy. Laughing helps oxygen flow to your heart and brain. Your mood will brighten instantly. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh about your embarrassing moments-we’ve all had them! Connect with friends to tell a funny joke and enjoy the positive feelings. After all, laughter is contagious! How has laughter made YOU feel better?”