Feeling Amused: A Guide to Your Emotions

PUBLISHED May 12th, 2021 & UPDATED ON Nov 23rd, 2022

Feeling amused doesn’t always come easy. Sometimes, we just forget how to let loose and have fun! But it’s sooo important to tap into that feel-good, goofy side of ourselves. Life doesn’t have to be so serious all of the time. And neither do we! That’s why feeling amused is such an underrated emotion, in our humble opinion. It kind of sneaks up on you out of nowhere, like when a kid randomly says a curse word or someone falls on their butt, and you know you probably shouldn’t laugh but you just can’t help it. That shit is funny (as long as the person who fell is okay, of course)!

The great news is — feeling amused is good for our mental wellbeing. Even if it’s a fleeting feeling, or we really have to work at taking ourselves less seriously, it’s totally worth it. So let’s dive thru feeling amused, how it shows up and how we can embrace this emotion to the fullest!

A Deeper Look at Feeling Amused

So, feeling amused. Let’s take a look at a definition, shall we? Merriam-Webster defines amused as: “adj. pleasantly entertained or diverted (as by something funny).” That’s a veryyy formal way of saying LMAO, but we’ll take it!

There are lots of things about life that are funny. Even if we don’t think so at the moment, we might look back on something and laugh at how ridiculous it was. Don’t believe us? Just try looking at photos of yourself from middle school and tell us that shit isn’t hilarious. We were so awkward back then, but at least we can see the humour in it now!

Like, you know when you’re having a laugh attack and then you start laughing MORE because of how much you’re laughing? That’s the best! It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, you feel sooo at ease afterwards. Laughter can provide stress relief and it’s been proven that feeling joy is good for your mental and physical health.

So, whenever you’re having a bad day try to find some amusement to lighten it up. Maybe watch an episode of your go-to funny show (our personal faves are Parks & Rec or Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Read some dad jokes online. Watch funny cat videos or scroll through TikTok. Speaking of those positive benefits, let’s take a look at alllll the ways that feeling amused is good for our health…

How Feeling Amused Shows Up Mentally

Feeling amused is rooted in one very key emotion. Any guesses? *drumroll* It’s happiness! Here are some positive symptoms you might experience when you’re feeling amused:

Improved mood
Reduced stress and anxiety
Increased attentiveness and focus
Boost in productivity
Spark of creativity
Improved analytical skills
More good thoughts
Increased motivation

Our brains release neurotransmitters called dopamine and serotonin throughout the body when we feel happy or amused. They’re basically happy hormones! So when you’re having a giggle fit or just a grand ol’ time in general, those hormones are coursing through your body and lifting your mood! While we’re at it…let’s take a look at the physical signs of feeling amused.

How Feeling Amused Shows Up Physically

No surprise here! Feeling amused also has great physical benefits. Since amusement taps into those happy hormones released in the brain, our body responds in the best of ways. Here are some great physical benefits, if ya wanna see for yourself:

Reduced cortisol levels
Lower blood pressure
Strengthened immune system
Better sleep
Improved digestion
Reduced pain
Longer lifespan

Don’t worry, we’re not trying to tell you “Hey, just be happy! Then all of your problems will go away!” because that’s downright dismissive and invalidating. But what we hope you get from all of this good news is that, even in the hardest times, it’s okay to laugh and have happy moments. It does wonders for our bodies and minds!

5 Ways to Embrace Feeling Amused

We’ve saved the best for last! Here are some strategies for embracing your amusement. You might be thinking…What for?? This is a lot of extra work, can’t I just enjoy this feeling and be done with it? Of course! These strategies are for embracing this emotion to the fullest, and can even be used when you’re NOT feeling so amused and need a lil’ pick-me-up.

1. Journal

Journaling is a great practice for staying in tune with our emotions. So, try writing down exactly how you’re feeling and what made you feel this way. Can’t stop smiling because you received a nice compliment? Laughing at an old memory that popped into your head? On those days where you’re not feeling so great, you can look back at these entries and find a little bit of light.

2. Visualize Your Happy Place

We all have that happy place in our minds. It could be a cozy bookstore on the snowy mountainside with a crackling fireplace. Maybe it’s the beach where you sun-bathed during your last vacay. Whatever your happy place is, go there in your mind! Picturing someplace that makes you feel at peace can help keep that good mood going.

3. Connect with a Friend

One of the best things about feeling amused? Sharing that amusement with your best pals! When was the last time you goofed around? Plan a fun night with zero discussion about work, school or any other stressors in your life right now. Friends are great for venting but why not dedicate a whole day/night to let go of all of the heavy shit and just have fun?! The goofier the activity, the better! Try dressing up and speaking in silly voices all night. Or, go to the dog park (even if you don’t have a dog) so you can soak in all the cuteness together!

4. Engage in Something Creative

Another way to channel this amusement? Get creative! Try your hand at drawing, calligraphy, painting, writing, practicing an instrument, singing, dancing…you get the idea! This a fun zone and a judgement-free zone! You get to be creative however you like.

5. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude can look like simply taking notice of the good things in life and showing them appreciation. That might involve writing a list of things that bring you joy, volunteering in your community, or showing acts of kindness to the people who make your life better. Whatever it may be, gratitude is the gift that keeps on givin’.

We hope you were amused by this article (or at least found it helpful)! This is your lil’ reminder that emotions don’t have to be a scary thing. They can be fun too! So embrace feeling amused and having fun. Chances are, you could use more of it in your life!