Here we are in the middle of what is known as the worst quarter of vet school at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. At least one test per week in addition to homework assignments, quizzes, scholarship and fellowship applications and otherwise planning for summer means that there is very little free time to sit back, relax, or have fun.
Considering how it’s far too easy to become overwhelmed by everything these days, I was reminded recently of the importance of laughter in getting through stressful times and maintaining sanity. A week ago I spent an evening laughing to the point of crying with friends and it was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time!
Don’t get me wrong, I laugh on a daily basis — I love to laugh and I do it often. My friends and family often comment that I am one of the happiest people they know and they love spending time with me because I am always smiling and laughing and that energy is contagious. What a compliment! Perhaps it is my natural predisposition to laugh and smile that keeps me from getting so overwhelmed by stress that I cannot function or maintain a work-life balance that is healthy.
So next time you are stressed — laugh a little! Watch or listen to some comedy, tell jokes, hang out with friends and tell funny or embarrassing stories — whatever you do, just be sure to laugh and not hold anything back!
On that note, this video made me laugh to the point of tears! Anyone with experience working in a lab (and even those who haven’t) will be able to relate:
Spoof of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” – it’s “Bad Project”!!