23rd March - Week 12 - Comedy is our cure.

Honestly I’ve not been sure what to say or do for my tribe and community. 
So rather than be inauthentic and pretend that I’m always upbeat and enlightened, I’m doing what I do when I feel scared or sad ...
I’m watching lots and lots and lots of comedy.... and I’m laughing....
It lightens my mind, body and soul. 
It lifts me.
It distracts me. 
It fills me up with joy. 
It makes me FEEL GOOD. 

When I was working on cruise ships in the entertainment department I heard people say that 'entertainment is not essential'.
I'd say it would be a pretty boring cruise if there was no entertainment.

And now in this current climate ... we are hearing similar things being said.
Which is why I'm LOVING the posts by comedians and entertainers online.
I believe human beings not only love to laugh ... I'd even venture to say they NEED it. 

My thoughts this week are that since fear depletes the immune system. 
Let's tap into the medicine of laughter to boost our spirits and our immunity. 

The well-renowned Mayo Clinic has done extensive research into the benefits of laughter as stress relief.
Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. 

Abraham Hicks says that what we are experiencing now is what we created from the past.
This is true for our personal environment and it’s definitely the case with our world environment.
And if we want something different we need to focus on and act like we want things to be.
Look at the results of the quarantined cities and the reduced pollution in just a few short weeks.
Wow! Nature has ways of re-balancing if we give her the time and space. 

So, here are some of my tips: 
A) distraction from fear 
B) feel as good as you can 
C) take care of yourself and others 

Distraction ... you can’t create the life you want, if you keep doing the same things you always do, that created the life you have ... and you can’t be peaceful if you keep focusing on the drama and fear ... so reduce the fear by distracting yourself. 
Denise Linn says to get up and change rooms and activities. If you are watching TV and get scared when the news comes on, turn it off, or change channels, or mute it. If you are worrying, go to another room and read a book or turn on some music. If you still have the thoughts of fear, change again until you find something or somewhere to be that soothes you. Stay in the soothing space as long as you can. 

Feel good ... 
Walk, ride, sing, dance, watch, play, talk on the phone ... 
A big one that I’m implementing is ... only follow or interact with people on social media who share positive, uplifting messages. 
(You can still be friends but unfollow for 30 days the people who are fearful) 
Get your information about the current situation from reputable sources ONCE a day. Eg. World Health organisation or Australian Health organisation.  

Take good care ... 
I’m very aware there is a health issue and we can’t ignore it, but the fear and anxiety of it will cause even more issues.
So, of course, first priority is to take care of yourself. 
And it always helps (when we are getting too inwardly focused or scared) to support / help others ...
I love to see local Facebook groups like “Love Your Neighbour - Bass Coast” and "Phillip Island Resource Share".
They are wonderful. You can ask for items you need, give items you have spare, share tips and support each other. 

Ocean Reeve (my publisher) was giving out free toilet paper on the street and drinking Corona on his Facebook feed this week.
Yep! That’s why he’s my mentor and publisher! He knows how to laugh. 

And I’d recommend if you want a good laugh to follow "Comedy Central Stand-up" and "Just For Laughs" on Facebook.
Find your favourite comedians and follow them.
I love Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, Trevor Noah, Sarah Millican, Jack Whitehall ...  
Get out all your comedy DVDs or go to the comedy section of Netflix and Stan ... GO NUTS PEOPLE!
You’ll feel 100% better. 
You won’t regret it. 

Let’s shift the balance of the energy in the world from fear to laughter. 
Comedy is the cure and laughter is essential. 
Laugh and Live long my friends. Xxx
Blessings Pip 

LINKS: 
The Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
Help Guide: ​https://www.helpguide.org › articles - laughter is the best medicine.