With life constantly whirring and swirling around you, it is easy to get swept up in the madness, lose yourself in the stress, and forget to take time to laugh. Taking even the smallest bit of time each day to laugh is something that I think is so important to living a life that is the happiest one possible.

We are all busy, but no matter what events fill your day from breakfast and back to bed again, it is so vital to take time out of the day to do something that makes you laugh. Focusing on only the stresses or only on the finish line leaves no room for the beautiful, hilarious stuff in the middle.

On my worst and busiest days I still have to make a point to take a break, talk to my hysterical best friends, watch an episode of my favorite Netflix comedy, or even take six minutes before bed to watch a Jenna Marbles YouTube video. I have to laugh. Anything from a giggle to a side splitting cackle, to the laughs that don’t make any noise at all can change my entire mood. You tilt your head back, lose your breath for a second, little happy tears form in your eyes, and your cheeks strain from smiling. For just a moment, everything that was terrible today, and anything that you might be dreading tomorrow is gone. You can’t laugh and stress at the same time, it is physically impossible.

There are lots of ways to cope with the stresses of every day. People have suggested trying yoga, or drinking a cup of tea, or anything else that calms people and makes them happier. For me, the best and most effective way is to laugh.