Stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life, and most of us are affected by it on a regular basis. Recent research reveals that Americans are struggling with higher levels of stress than ever before. The stress we experience can stem from global concerns like the economy and climate change or personal stressors such as divorce and finances, but it all impacts our well-being and relationships.
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate stress from our lives, we can control how we cope with it. In addition to limiting the amount of time we spend on social media and incorporating mindfulness habits into our daily routines, one of the easiest ways to reduce and manage stress is through laughter. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter not only improves our mood and increases personal satisfaction, but is also good for the immune system and can relieve pain.
Whether it’s stand-up comedy, a television sitcom, or a simple knock-knock joke, finding ways to laugh more often can improve our lives — and make our stress feel a little lighter. Here are 12 lighthearted quotes about stress that are guaranteed to make you smile.
There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full.Henry Kissinger
Please do not take life quite so seriously — you surely will never get out of it alive.Elbert Hubbard
There must be quite a few things a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.Sylvia Plath
In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.Paul Harvey
Serenity now!Frank Costanza (Jerry Stiller) in “Seinfeld”
Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it.Jane Wagner
We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.David Mamet
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.Anne Lamott
I promise there’ll be a tomorrow … in fact, it’s already tomorrow in Australia!Charles M. Schulz
Relax. No one else knows what they’re doing either.Ricky Gervais
I just give myself permission to suck … I find this hugely liberating.John Green
We forget that life isn’t as bad as we’re making it out to be. We also forget that when we’re blowing things out of proportion, we are the ones doing the blowing.Richard Carlson
Featured image credit: Evening Standard/ Hulton Archive via Getty Images
