Laughter is selfcare: why we should laugh more often above ourselves

Do you know that feeling when you take yourself too seriously? When you try to do everything right, be perfect, and show no weaknesses? Welcome to the club! But the exact opposite is often the key to more lightness, serenity, and true self-love: being able to laugh at yourself.

Self-irony is strength

Looking at yourself with a wink isn't a sign of insecurity, but of maturity. For example, when you're on the subway on your way to the office and suddenly wonder if you actually put out your coffee on the stove – and say to yourself, "Okay, I'll just boil some smoke-flavored water tonight." It shows that we can live at peace with our mistakes, little mishaps, and idiosyncrasies. Laughing at ourselves is saying: I take myself seriously, but not too seriously. And that's incredibly liberating. Laughter is a true miracle cure. It relaxes us, releases endorphins, and brings us back to the moment. Especially when we manage to laugh at ourselves – because it's precisely in these moments that humor becomes an act of self-acceptance. When we can laugh at ourselves – at our little mishaps, overslept performances, or original word creations – we approach ourselves with a loving lightness. And that can be incredibly healing.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/pexels

Human, not perfect

In a world where self-optimization and achievement are constantly promoted, it's an act of rebellion to lovingly allow yourself to be imperfect. Humor helps with this. A spilled coffee, a missed word, a weird outfit fail? Or that moment when you spend hours searching for your glasses – and they're still on your head the whole time? All of these are perfect opportunities for a liberating laugh at yourself. Those who can laugh at themselves create a loving space – like an inner living room where mistakes can sit on the sofa without being judged. At the same time, we practice self-compassion. It's not about belittling or ridiculing ourselves, but rather lovingly embracing ourselves and saying, "Hey, that might have been weird, but I'm still okay." Humor is an invitation not to judge ourselves, but to accept ourselves – including all our rough edges and odd moments.

5 little rituals for more humor in everyday life

1. Breakdown diary: Every evening, write yourself a little note: What was your most endearing fail today? Record it with a wink.

2. Mirror laughter: Start or end your day with a conscious grin in the mirror—and perhaps even a little compliment to yourself. This moment can help positively influence your self-perception and put you attuned to a friendlier inner attitude.

3. The comedy glasses: In stressful moments: Imagine you're in a sitcom. What would be funny about that? Even better: Set a daily reminder on your phone or a Post-it on the mirror to remind you to change your perspective—until it becomes a loving habit.

4. Time travel through embarrassing photos: Regularly look at old pictures of yourself. Instead of being ashamed, celebrate that quirky hairstyle or wild style from back then!

5. Share your anecdotes: Tell friends about your little mistakes – laughing together creates closeness and lightness.

A smile as a beginning

Laughter connects us. It makes us human.It helps us to love ourselves and to meet others as equals. Especially in challenging times, it's important not to lose our sense of humor. When everyone in family life wants something from you at the same time, or you're sitting in an online meeting with toothpaste on your sweater, a genuine laugh can take the pressure off and remind you that perfection isn't a prerequisite for love or success. And perhaps that starts with a morning look in the mirror and a loving grin. So: Let's laugh more often. Not at the expense of others, but together. And especially: at ourselves.

Photo: Kelsey Chance/unsplash