Whether it’s major national issues, like the upcoming Presidential election, or situations closer to home, like starting college in the fall, it seems like there’s always something we could be anxious about. And that anxiety can impact our mind and body — potentially leading to even more anxiety.
“Physically, anxiety can trigger symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and difficulty breathing. Those with anxiety often feel tense, restless, and on edge, which can interfere with their ability to focus or get a good night's sleep,” explains Catherine Nobile, PsyD, New York psychologist and director of Nobile Psychology. “These thoughts and emotions are intense, and their persistent nature can significantly affect their daily lives, making it challenging to participate in regular activities or find joy in moments that others might find ordinary,” she adds.
One way to bring levity and joy in the midst of feeling anxious is through humor. Research shows that laughter can help lessen feelings of worry and stress.Many writers, entertainers, and historical figures know this well, and often share words of wisdom from life experiences that bring just the chuckle that we need.
“Humor can be an effective way to manage anxiety, offering both immediate comfort and lasting advantages," notes Dr. Nobile. "When a person laughs, it prompts the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators, helping to alleviate stress and promote a sense of happiness. Laughter also reduces the levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, thereby mitigating the physical symptoms of anxiety."
We take a look at 20 quotes designed to bring a smile to your face and make your load feel lighter during times of stress and anxiety. So, sit back, take a deep breath, and in the words of Louis Armstrong, “leave your worries on the doorstep.”
How to Deal With Crippling Anxiety
20 Quotes About Anxiety to Keep You Smiling
The Bible says in Proverbs that a merry heart does good like medicine. These quotes are sure to make you feel better.
1.“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
— Anne Lamott
2. “Be obscure clearly.”
-E. B. White
3. “Cure for an obsession: get another one.”
-Mason Cooley
4. “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”
-Elbert Hubbard
5."I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."
-Mark Twain
6.“I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time.”
- Charles M. Schulz
7.“I just give myself permission to suck…I find this hugely liberating.”
— John Green
8.“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”
-Douglas Adams
9.“I quit therapy because my analyst was trying to help me behind my back.”
-Richard Lewis
10. “If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.”
- William Lyon Phelps
11. “I'm for whatever gets you through the night.”
12. “Life is hard. After all, it kills you.”
-Katharine Hepburn
13. “My life needs editing.”
-Mort Sahl
14. “One advantage of talking to yourself is that you know at least somebody's listening.”
-Franklin P. Jones
15. “Reality continues to ruin my life.”
-Bill Watterson
16. "The next time you have a thought... let it go."
-Ron White
17. “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”
— Sydney J. Harris
18. “There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full.”
– Henry Kissinger https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/henry_kissinger_100085
19. “We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.”
— David Mamet, "Boston Marriage"
20. "Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere."
–Erma Bombeck
The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter
Other Ways to Calm an Anxious Mind
More than a third of all adults in the United States deal with some sort of anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Along with humor, additional strategies can help you cope with the symptoms that anxiety brings.
- Try spending time in nature. Connecting with nature can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Go for a nice walk, sit on the back deck, or read a book on the porch. And relax.
- Get some exercise. “Incorporate exercise into your daily routine, whether it’s walking, jogging, practicing yoga, or any other physical activity you enjoy. Exercise releases endorphins, promotes better sleep, and serves as a healthy distraction from anxious thoughts,” states Dr. Nobile.
- Practice meditation, spend time in prayer, or employ mindfulness techniques. Incorporating an activity that takes the focus off of you and puts it onto a calming presence or a higher power can be beneficial.
- Seek professional help. A therapist can help you pinpoint the cause of your anxiety, and work with you on a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.
- Put the quotes we shared to work for you. Place a calendar full of humorous quotes by your computer. Put a framed quote on your wall. Make a series of quotes for a screensaver for your phone. Allow the quotes to give you a dose of laughter when you need it. “Keeping these quotes one finds can be therapeutic and a tool to reference when anxiety takes hold,” says Tasha M. Brown, PhD, founder of TMB Psych Services.
Ultimately, humor can help change your focus, divert your attention from stressful issues, and even have a healing impact.
“Humor can often shift your perspective and help to alleviate feelings of anxiety. Humorous quotes can also challenge negative thinking patterns … reminding you that excessively worrying can be counterproductive. Humor can be liberating,” Dr. Brown concludes.
Laughter as a Coping Mechanism
