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Katherine B. Wiens

Unlocking the Power of Laughter: A Journey to Joy, Connection, and Better Health



 Back in our first year of marriage, Tim and I tackled the job of changing the bed sheets. Being a thrifty person, I purchased these and another set from the thrift store nearby.

Halfway through this domestic chore Tim made an observation, “I thought we had more sheets than just this one set?”.

Casually, I answered, "Yes, grabbed another set at the thrift store."

Confused Tim then asks the logical next question, "So where are the other sheets?"

“Oh, I used one to make a dress.” I replied.

Now his curiosity was raised, "A dress? I've never seen you wear anything that resembles these sheets."

I felt my face flush and I didn’t eye contact, “Oh I don’t wear that dress.”

When I looked up at Tim he asked, “Why don’t you wear the dress?”

I knew my secret was out, but I couldn’t hide the absurdity of my response. As my mouth curled up and my eyes brightened in a mischievous stare, trying to hold back the laughter I said, “I don’t wear it because it looks too much like a sheet.”

Then we both burst out in laughter. We laughed so hard that afternoon tears streamed down our faces and our bellies hurt.

We’ve recalled that story many times over the past 37 years and it makes us laugh every time!

 

Laughter is more than just a personal giggle; it's a social connection. Statistics show that we are over 30 times more likely to break into laughter when in the company of others than when flying solo (Provine, 2004). That's the magic of laughter — it's a powerful tool for communication, self-expression, and above all, bringing people together.


Now, let's talk about the incredible impact laughter can have on your mental and physical well-being. Picture this: laughter as a superhero swooping in to rescue you from negative emotions. The positive vibes it generates can override the blues you might be feeling (Saper, 1990).


Here's are some of the positive effects on mental health that laughter brings:

- Increased life satisfaction

- Improved quality of life

- Enhanced cognitive function

- Boosted mood and happiness

- Reduced feelings of loneliness

- Diminished depression (Kuru Alici & Arikan Dönmez, 2020)

 

Feeling like you could use a mental health boost? Well, laughter might just be the antidote you've been searching for. Whether it's reliving old funny stories with a friend or indulging in your favorite funny movie moments on YouTube, replacing negativity with laughter can be a game-changer.


Ever considered incorporating laughter yoga into your routine? This delightful practice not only contributes to mental well-being but also showers you with physical health benefits. These benefits include lower blood pressure, reduced stress hormones, and improved sleep quality (Kuru Alici & Arikan Dönmez, 2020).


The best part? Your brain can't tell the difference between spontaneous and self-induced laughter (Mora-Ripoll, 2010). So, even if you're not in the mood, practicing laughter can still reap all those fantastic benefits.


Feeling like your life could use an extra dose of joy? It's easy to get bogged down by the news and the chaos around us. Why not make a conscious effort to infuse more laughter into your life? Here are a few simple activities to get you started:


1. Create a YouTube playlist of your all-time favorite funny TV or movie moments. A quick laugh is just a click away!


2. Reach out to a friend or family member to share funny stories. Connection through laughter is not just heartwarming but also beneficial for your health.


3. Have a silly game night with loved ones. Embrace classics like charades or Pictionary for a night filled with laughter and fun.


4. Try laughter yoga exercises. Your brain won't know the difference, and the benefits are all yours.

 

In conclusion, laughter is not just a way to communicate; it's a key to unlocking joy in your life. It has the power to lift your spirits, replacing negativity with positivity. So, whether it's a funny movie night with a friend or incorporating laughter yoga into your morning routine, make it a practice to invite more joy and happiness into your life. Laughter truly is the best medicine!

 

References

●      Kuru Alici, N., & Arikan Dönmez, A. (2020). A systematic review of the effect of laughter yoga on physical function and psychosocial outcomes in older adults. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 41, 101252.

●      Mora-Ripoll, R. (2010). The Therapeutic Value of Laughter in Medicine. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 16(6), 56–64.

●      Provine, R. R. (2004). Laughing, tickling, and the evolution of speech and self. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13(6), 215–218.

●      Saper, B. (1990). The therapeutic use of humor for psychiatric disturbances of adolescents and adults. Psychiatric Quarterly, 61(4), 261–272.

 

 

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