Welcome to the newest edition of your weekly Timeout, featuring the best in self-improvement and escapism from across the internet.
This week’s Timeout is all about the best medicine: laughter.
“Laughter is poison to fear.”
Spoken by Catelyn Stark in “A Game of Thrones,” this peek into author George R.R. Martin’s mind explains A LOT and inspires this week’s Timeout theme: laughter.
But before continuing, might we suggest a soundtrack?
That’s better.
Laughter has several proven health benefits and is a surefire sign of learning in little ones. Beyond our own walls, laughter helps provide a sense of togetherness based around common worldviews, that result in shared laughs. Right now, that connection is truly invaluable. That’s why it’s important that we laugh, laugh, and laugh some more!
It can be difficult finding ways to stay positive during “normal” circumstances, let alone in the era of you know what. Stand-up classics seem like relics from a lost world, television favorites tackle ancient themes, and even the most hilarious books can be totally un-relatable.
The New York Times recently spotlighted comedian Ted Alexandro, who is combatting that disconnect with fresh standup for modern times. In A Vital Stand-Up Special for the Social Distancing Era, Ted applies a comic’s lens to the current state of the world. Laugh with Ted and take solace in the fact that yes, we are all riding the same waves of intense emotion.
Not your brand of comedy? No sweat! We know that comedy is subjective. Check out these 10 Chicago-based comics, also guaranteed to make you laugh.
It’s almost time to end this timeout, but we will leave you with things to remember. First, give yourself permission to laugh. You’ll relieve stress, clear your thoughts, and refresh problem solving skills. Also, remember that everyone’s a comedian!