A few years ago, I was in the bedroom when I heard a loud thud in the living room. I rushed to see what happened. My grandma had fallen on the floor. 

The moment our eyes met, she started laughing. I was startled but relieved. She wasn’t in pain and thus had no broken bones. To her, falling without breaking a bone was an adventure, like going on a giant roller coaster. 

My grandma taught me that being able to laugh amidst daily annoyances—slips, spills, minor losses—can convert those annoyances into happier moments.

Laughter and health go together. Laughter improves your anti-viral immunity and physical health, decreases pain, and enhances social connections. When you laugh, you send the message, “I like you. I trust you. I am willing to play with you.”

So, let go of some of your past “spills” and find humor in them to the extent you can. That will give you better control of your mind, infuse extra joy, and even decrease the number of future spills.

Excerpted from the book, That Makes Sense: Resilience-insights to lift your day.