For a gal who tends to gravitate to deep thinking and intellectual curiosity (re: everything personal development and non-fiction books) - I recently discovered I need to laugh more. 

Martha Beck reminded me of this, Oprah's life coach. She talks about how nurses are allowed to carry around water guns to squirt at each other to support the laughter of their patients, and I thought that was brilliant. I'm a pretty light hearted person, but sometimes I forget to giggle and find the levity in the moment.

Here are some ways that have helped me:

• Joined a laughter filled co-working space. And even more recently (and more effectively) an improv class. “Yes, and…” never fails to turn moods around.

• Subscribed to funny podcasts (“Lovett or Leave it” makes me lol every single time ). I know you can find one of those for you.

• Called or sent voice memos to my silliest “don’t make me pee my pants” friends.

• Watched the old standby funny shows! (Duh to most, but not always to me). When in doubt type FRIENDS or OFFICE into Netflix. And of course Stand-up comedy alwayyys does the trick.

• Attended sweaty, ridiculous exercise classes. I found this sweaty dance class in complete darkness called Dance Church at 10am on Sunday mornings in Seattle. Laughter ensued.

• Did handstands in the hallway whenever I felt above average tense. I laugh every time I have to prepare by taking off my necklaces and socks - or get people or objects out of the way.

• Imagine the most ridiculous floatation device you can think of - then find and buy it online. Dinosaur, rainbow unicorn, two person kayak, donut with sprinkles on top, life sized human. Don’t think twice, it’s alright. :)

• Pet every dog I could find on the sidewalk and waited for miracles to happen.

• Find the ironic flip side in any situation. For example “it’s too bad there are a million people in this park, they sure are cramping our style … but look at all these fascinating characters we can observe, tell silly stories about, and maybe I’ll meet my future husband if I ask these neighbors for a bottle opener!”

• Buy a mini trampoline and make an accompanying playlist. Yep, it’s awesome. I prefer rare funk and disco. Thank me later.
  

This list is a work in progress, but I'm excited to keep going on my journey towards more levity and audible laughter. Anything I missed? Anything you’d suggest?