In a world where anxiety and gloom seem omnipresent, cultivating a good mood would seem to be a simple and effective solution to improve our health. Guest of the show, Michel Lejoyeux, professor of psychiatry and addiction, underlines the importance of this positive emotion: “Optimism is a battle. So this morning, we are having a little battle.” A sentence that sums up well the idea that good humor is not innate, but that it is cultivated on a daily basis.
The benefits of good humor don’t stop at our state of mind. Indeed, it has direct repercussions on our physical health. Professor Lejoyeux explains that “physical activity will do you good”by developing beneficial hormones like endorphin. These hormones, often called “happiness hormones,” help reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.
But how can we integrate more good humor into our daily lives? Professor Lejoyeux offers simple exercises, such as mindfulnesswhich involves “zooming in” on an experience or sensation for a few minutes. Whether enjoying a square of chocolate or listening to music, these moments of concentration help to reduce the intensity of negative thoughts.
Enriching social relationships
Social interactions also play a crucial role in our quest for a good mood. “The interest of the loved one is that it gives us lessons in flexibility,” says Professor Lejoyeux. Indeed, exchanges with our loved ones allow us to put our worries into perspective and see things from a different angle. For people who live alone, it would be essential to find inspiring role models or engage in social activities, such as joining a club or participating in community events.
The gratitude is also a powerful tool for cultivating good humor. Writing a thank you letter or simply expressing gratitude to someone can have a significant impact on our well-being. “Rather than having three reasons for reproach, we have three reasons to say thank you,” advises Professor Lejoyeux.
In the end, good humor is a choice, a conscious effort to see the positive in our life. “When we give a gift, for me in any case, what I keep is the card more than the gift,” shares Doctor Jimmy Mohamed, illustrating how the little touches and acts of kindness can enrich our relationships and our lives. So why not start today to integrate a little more good humor into our daily lives? After all, as the professor says so well: “good humor can become contagious”.
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