IF LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE, then I need a mega dose right now to ease the stress I feel these days.
Last Friday evening I got a large dose of laughter while attending the Little Fish Improv Comedy Show at the Paradise Center for the Arts. It felt good to laugh, to mostly forget about reality. That would return soon enough, in fact the next afternoon as I stood protesting on a street corner near the Paradise in downtown Faribault.
But Friday evening I laughed. I relaxed. I smiled, consciously aware of my face lifting into a smile throughout the performance. Afterwards I thanked the performers for the much-needed laughter and diversion during an extremely difficult week in Minnesota.
Now days later, when I really need a second dose of laughter, I remember photos I took in small town Dennison several months ago. They are of a Pillsbury Doughboy sign leaning against a shed along the main highway that runs through this southern Minnesota community.
The Pillsbury Doughboy, spokesman for Poppin’ Fresh refrigerated dough products since 1965, is a memorable and much-beloved marketing figure. Poke his tummy and he giggles. Everything about this character in the white chef’s hat, scarf tied around his neck, makes me feel good. Smile. Laugh.
Not only that, but just the thought of popping open a tube of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls elicits joyous anticipation. I can imagine the scent of cinnamon wafting from a hot oven as the rolls bake. I can taste the sugary sweetness of a still-warm roll drizzled in icing. Yum.
This is what I need now to counterbalance the angst that is part of life today in this country. I need, not to forget, not to give up, but to counterbalance the craziness with that which is good. A warm cinnamon roll. A night out at a comedy show and cocktails afterwards with dear friends. And most of all, laughter.
TELL ME: What are you doing to counterbalance any stress you may be experiencing due to what’s unfolding in your community, your state and America? What makes you smile, laugh, giggle?
I also direct you to a Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe posted by my friend Sue, a food blogger. Click here to see that recipe.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
You truly have to find the humor at times, especially with the stress crazy busyness. I also get outside for some fresh air, nature, activity, etc. I still think back on that holiday T-rex with Santa riding on its back – that still cracks me up when I need a laugh. I am sure I will be on to something else soon enough. Like the skies lately here look like cotton candy. I try to remember that every day is a precious gift to be opened and soaked in and savored as well as to start fresh and put out a smile, chuckle, and good energies 🙂 Happy Day – ENJOY!
I know you are a big advocate of getting outside into nature. That really does help with the stress. I try to walk outside, too, although sometimes the Minnesota winter affects that. It’s January thaw warm here right now. Yesterday was stunning.
yay for this and thanks for sharing it! I also shared a funny post today, as I think we need to remember to laugh and enjoy life as well. for my peaceful and happy break, I got together with a few friends and had a relaxed girls’ night slumber party, with good food, (and chocolate), nice music, pajamas, stories about our old days together, caught up with what our grown children are doing, shared hair tips, and just enjoyed ourselves, laughing a lot and having no agenda.
What a great way to unwind, connect and generally forget about everything happening. When I wrote this post, it was not lost on me that those targeted by ICE cannot go out, not even to get groceries or to medical appointments, etc. Yes, it’s that bad in Minnesota right now. I encourage you to read Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). They are doing a great job of reporting, including on how people are being affected by ICE’s presence.
I’m afraid too much sugar is no longer possible but a good hike cuts the stress and watching Sofie (cat) try to convince us she’s STARVING as she sits next to her partially full food bowl always brings a smile.
Thanks for making me smile this morning with your Sofie story. I can envision her sitting there. You’re absolutely right on hiking as a way to diminish stress. I watch the sugar, too.
Ahh, the Pillsbury Doughboy, so cute and giggly!
The Little Fish Improv made me laugh. It was a wonderful reprieve, and fun to be with you two. It was all good medicine.
Absolutely a good reprieve. Loved our time with you two also.
Oh my goodness, what a lovely Tuesday surprise, reading your post with a shout out to Ever Ready’s recipe for a pan of cinnamon rolls. Thank you so much.
You are welcome, Sue. When I saw your post yesterday, I knew I needed to link to the recipe. Perfect fit for my content today.
Great glad it all worked out.
Super stress and anxiety reliever— get outside and hike and since we live in the Land of Waterfalls— going to chase some. Anything but staying glued to the tv or news reports!
Yes, I fully agree that getting outside and hiking is a great stress reliever.
Right now it’s important for everyone in Minnesota, especially, to remain informed. And, yes, that does mean more attention to media coverage. These are not normal times in Minnesota or this nation. I firmly believe we must be an informed citizenry and much more.