Laughter:  The Best Therapy for ADHD

We live in a culture where the reliance on medication is common.  Some look for creative solutions for people with ADHD.  Humor draws people together.  It triggers healthy physical and emotional changes in the body.  What a perfect pair!

Therapeutic humor uses the power of smiles and laughter to aid in healing.  Laughter appears to change the brain chemistry and may boost the immune system.  Its goal is to allow them to feel in control of a situation.

• Move toward laughter.
• Spend time with fun, playful people.
• Count your blessings (gratitude).
• Bring humor into conversations.
• Play with a pet.

Smiling is a natural part of life.  Babies begin smiling during their first weeks of life.  They laugh out loud within a few months,

Humor therapy is most often used on people with long-term (chronic) diseases.  It is especially effective for ailments made worse by stress.  Another use is as a preventative measure for caregivers at risk of becoming sick themselves.

The benefits for people with ADHD are twofold.  Emotional outbursts can be common.  Anger, frustration, and anxiety further aggravate symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

• Lets go of defensiveness.
• Lightens anger’s heavy load.
• Protects from stress.
• Strengthens resilience and relationships.
• Triggers the release of endorphins.

Overall health is another factor that improves with humor therapy.  The techniques relax the whole body and protect the heart.  Not only does it improve mood, it may help you to live longer.

The most important goal of humor therapy is…develop a sense of humor.  Incorporating strategies plays an important role in the process,  One strategy is remembering fun things that happen throughout the day.  People with ADHD benefit from gaining a humorous perspective on everyday challenges.  Laugh at situations rather than bemoan them.  Another trick is to surround themselves with reminders to lighten up the situation.  Find your inner self.

• Watch a funny video, TV show, YouTube video.
• Read comics (funnies).
• Host a game night.
• Share a good joke.
• Make time for fun activities (bowling, karaoke, miniature golf).

Responsibilities, behavior, low self-esteem.  People with ADHD have a lot on their shoulders.  Laugh it up to make things a little better.  Make a big smile and remember, it’s therapeutic humor!