New research supports that laughing and crying is not only one of the strangest experiences we have emotionally, but it also is healthy. I often find that sessions with clients involve crying and laughing. I have always been a big believer in using humor and a positive outlook to manage life’s difficulties. However, to be clear, I never bought into “just think positive”. Well, to be honest, I always thought and felt it was for the weak. Now I have researchers behind me! A 10-year study published in “Social, Psychological, and Personality Science” reports that the greater the frequency of people’s mixed emotions over time, the slower their age-related health declines. Another report suggests that people that report both happiness and sadness in therapy sessions have a greater boost in mental wellness (more so than those who only felt sadness or joy). This kind of emotional ambiguity is difficult and takes emotional wisdom and strength.
I think that remembering the good in bad times has been ingrained in me. I am a quarter Irish after all and a good party with family and friends laughing after a funeral is one of the best feelings in life. Just when I feel “how much more pain can I take?” I have family and friends surrounding me reminding me confidently that I can handle anything. This kind of balance in life is what I have learned to expect in life. There will be not only good times and bad times, but there will be good moments and bad moments all within a matter of minutes.
So, to borrow one of my favorite words in the English language….balance is the key!