It’s impossible to be angry and laugh out loud at the same time.

Unlike a smile, grin, or chuckle, a full-on belly laugh comes from inside your soul. It bubbles up, spills over, and lifts the energy of all who hear it.

When faced with a difficult, trying situation or person, laughter is literally the cheapest medicine available to you.

In fact, it is so effective, that yogis in India have created practices where the students merely laugh out loud. And the effect on overall mood and the health of the group is greatly improved.

A good laugh is contagious and infectious. So try these tips next time you’re feeling down or stressed

1) Rent a Funny Movie. I love “Don’t Mess with the Zohan” or anything with Steve Martin or Goldie Hawn.

2) Sit in a quiet spot and laugh out loud from your belly for a full 5 minutes.

3) Watch a standup comedian special… Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor are my best.

4) Call your funniest friend and make time to meet for coffee.

5) Hang out with a little kid or a pet.

6) Watch your favorite sitcom. The TV show FRIENDS always does the trick for me.

7) Resolve to laugh and smile more every day and set reminders.

I believe our purpose on planet earth is to spread as much light as we can. And we can each do it in little ways. Moment to moment. Person by person. Day by day. And the positive difference we can make to shift the energy around is unmeasurable.

Making those around you smile should be your mission. So ask yourself these questions?

Did you use today to bring joy to those in dark places? Did you help someone who was struggling with a challenge? Did you take the time to smile at a stranger? These acts of human kindness seem so trivial and small. But they can shift another’s reality. So be the light. Share the light.

Always leave your space better than you found it.

I hope these suggestions bring a lot more laughter and happiness into your day-to-day lives.

I am so blessed and grateful to have such an incredible community that always makes me smile. I love you most.