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What comes to your mind when you think about self-care? Laying in a bubble bath with a face mask on? Going for a jog or to an exercise class? Taking a nap in the middle of a workday? All of these are valid forms of giving yourself some TLC.

But have you ever thought of memes as a form of self-care? Scientists do agree that laughter is the best medicine, so there is some good in them. 

The memes in the following list were compiled from an Instagram account dedicated to “healing through laughter.” The creators of the page advocate for self-care as well as physical and mental wellbeing and hope to brighten the days of their followers.

Just like anything else, though, they should be consumed in moderation, so no endless scrolling until you feel numb. Just enough to cheer you up so you can get on with the rest of your lovely day. Enjoy!

If you feel like you need more than just a couple of memes to get your laughter fix, plan a fun movie night or sprinkle the fun throughout the week by picking up a comedy series to watch. Your best bet is tuning into a show or a movie that you have already watched and loved in the past as this guarantees a couple of things.

First, you will not be disappointed. You know the humor will suit you and you’ll enjoy both the characters and the plot. Choosing a new film or series is much more of a risk: what if you don’t like the style of comedy? What if the ending is disappointing? So, opt for your own personal classic to get exactly what you need.

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David
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that headline is gold. Except according to the story I found it was more like he was running away from the cow. . https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/09/swigging-pig-hogs-18-beers

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Tempest
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a year ago I used to be a penguin on the left. Woke up at 5-6 am just to go for a walk and watch the sunrise. 2023 happened and now I’m the penguin on the right. Wish I could go back to my happier self.

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Choosing an entertainment piece that you have already seen will be a more restorative experience, too. One study has shown that if you have had a tough day, tuning into something familiar can be restorative. It eliminates the pressure of choosing something that has to entertain you and instead just offers pure pleasure without putting too much energy into it. 

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In addition, you won’t need to tire yourself focusing on a new plot and getting familiarized with the characters. After all, getting to know them is like getting to know a real new person. If you opt to watch something with a group of characters you already know, you won’t have to put in the extra effort in the viewing. It will be like meeting your good old group of friends.

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David
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Relatable. Have had this happen several times with different dogs. Makes me feel like a boss until I remember I suck with people.

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Another more passive way of getting your laughs in is by watching stand-up comedy. There are plenty of specials on YouTube as well as on various streaming services, so dig around and you’ll find something that suits your taste. Better yet, see if you can catch a live show somewhere. It will add a community aspect to the already fun experience.

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Kevin the Manager
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL. No longer a thing. I stream my music through my phone into my car audio system. I get the great songs on demand.

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El Howard
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, sometimes I turn the stereo off completely when my exit is coming up, so I can focus on not getting lost.

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If you are thinking about getting even more proactive about your fun-related self-care, see if you can take up a fun hobby. For example, improv can be a very fun experience that can also help you make friends. Through it, you become an active participant in a fun scenario that can make you and others laugh. In addition, you can also grow a little more confident and comfortable in your skin.

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Fora Nakit
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get why people hate that. Why do I have to spend 20 minutes of my time typing and interacting with you, when it can all be over in 2 minutes' time?

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Floeckchen
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's almost always the quiet ones where everyone is saying that nothing could shake them.

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If improv is taking things a little too far, you can start small by practicing laughing yoga or laughing meditation on your own. The principle of it is quite simple: you voluntarily laugh to change your mood. And, as far as we know, it works

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freyawuff
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Homer Simpson once said: "Why have three kids and no money, when you can have three money and no kids"

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Laughing yoga can feel awkward and weird at first, but once you get into the habit of it, it’s pretty fun. Just like improv, it helps with shedding embarrassment and discomfort. Joining a group of laughing yogis elevates the experience even more, so look into what’s available for you locally or online.

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Corvus
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, my cat gets this look sometimes. I usually need to bandage my hands afterwards.

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Floeckchen
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6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one time a spider scared me was, when I was lying in bed in pitch black and looking onto my smart phone when out of the dark a spider just ran across the screen.

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Another fun self-care practice that allows you to dial into yourself is keeping a laughter journal. In it, you note down what made you laugh and smile that day. Maybe it’s things you’ve seen, a joke you heard, or a comment that your friend made. Reflecting on these moments and writing them all down will give you another chance to appreciate the joy it brought you. The journal will also serve as a reminder of how much fun you’re having daily.

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CORGI QUEEN
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

adhd! ADHD! Drink some coffee, start to vibrate! ANXIETY (To the tune of under the sea)

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All in all, there are a lot of ways to bring more joy and laughter into your everyday life. And whether you actively seek it or simply choose to notice it more, it can make you feel better. Laughter is a form of self-care after all.

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Jill Rhodry
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sad people have to live like this, and I can't imagine the courage...

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Quirinus
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, the motivation always lasts until the moment I close the door to my appartment behind my back

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LegendsNeverDIE
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can relate. Actually I cant because I'm always on my phone as well. I guess we work.

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LegendsNeverDIE
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6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a problem where i can't stop laughing for like ageees and idk whether I subconsciously do that to try and fit in better by laughing even when the jokes are not funny or I just don't get them OR if you his is an actual illness that some people have * hyperventilates*

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Tempest
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had two oranges sitting on my desk for over 3 months. I eventually ate one but the other one was left for about another month and went rotten. I was simply too lazy to peel them and eat when I could grab a chocolate or cookie as a quick snack.

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Samantha
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do people keep using Will Poulter's face as a meme? have you seen how he looks recently?

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Menacing Duck
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of this joke my dad told me: "My grief counselor died. He was so good, I don’t even care."

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The only Plueschopossum
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My biggest fear when I send screenshots of stupid conversations to my work bestie 😂 I always do a double check before I hit the send button.

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Note: this post originally had 105 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.