Laughter is Healthy, and Here's How to Laugh More
Laughter is one of life's greatest joys. There's nothing quite like a bout of belly-deep laughter shared with friends and loved ones (or even just by yourself).
Laughter makes us feel happy in the moment, but that's not all: laughing has been proven to have positive, long-lasting psychological effects. There's no denying it — laughter is a crucial ingredient to a healthy life.
There are so many ways to help yourself laugh more, and I'd like to share some of them today. Everyone could use more laughing and smiling in their lives, after all.
What makes you laugh?
Everyone has a different sense of humor, so it's worthwhile to spend some time thinking about what you find funny.
Do you like “dry” comedy, similar to shows like The Office (the British version) and comedy sketches like the type from Monty Python?
Or, do you prefer slapstick comedy, like the over-the-top antics of the Three Stooges?
Improv, sitcoms, political satire, dark comedy… there are tons of different types of comedy, and there's bound to be something that gets you laughing. Find out what makes you crack a smile, and watch those types of comedy whenever you want a good laugh.
Surround yourself with people who make you laugh
Some people are naturally funny, and we can't help but laugh as they share stories and tell jokes. If you're lucky enough to have someone in your life who always knows how to make you laugh, be sure to make time for that relationship.
But remember, these people don't have to be fellow adults. Kids are some of the funniest comedians around!
Have a few go-to jokes
If you don't consider yourself a jokester, it never hurts to have a few zingers in your back pocket. Having a go-to joke can lighten the mood and make it easier to connect with other people on a deeper, more authentic level.
Even the worst jokes can lead to plenty of laughter — if you've ever heard a “dad joke,” you know what I mean.
Think of laughter as exercise
In my post, “ Is Laughter Really the Best Medicine? ” I wrote about the idea of laughter-based exercise. It might sound crazy, but don't knock it until you try it.
That's because laughter helps strengthen and relax muscles, which is hugely beneficial for daily life. You can even “fake it ‘til you make it,” because our bodies can't tell the difference between real and fake laughter.
Don't worry if you have to force yourself to laugh at first. Sooner or later, that laughter will become a genuine part of your life.
Learn to laugh at yourself
Most of us take ourselves too seriously, at least some of the time (I'm guilty of it, too.)
This makes it harder to find humor in life's toughest moments, which is a very helpful skill to have. When you learn to laugh at yourself, the pressure to be perfect is off, because you know that life is far too short to take yourself too seriously.
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