“Laughter is the best medicine.” Though laughing may not cure your cold, it can definitely help you deal with the congestion and coughing until you do get better. Some studies have revealed that laughter can lower blood pressure, increase the body’s immune response, and improve heart rate. Watching something you find funny before you go to bed can help you sleep better too. And the best part is that laughing for 10-15 minutes can burn up to 50 calories! Laughing can actually help take off the “freshman 15” that I still have as a senior.
Even though laughter is this good for you, adults only laugh 15-20 times yet children laugh over 400 times per day. Now it may be true that adulthood carries more responsibility than childhood, but 20x less laughter seems like a huge incongruity. Why don’t we laugh as freely or consistently? There are times where it seems like we see laughter as being embarrassing because it can draw attention to you and what you’re doing. But is it really a bad thing for people to know that you’re having a good time? Laughter isn’t something that you should be ashamed of, even if you think your laugh is obnoxious. I’m sure there are more people who find it appealing than you think. Limiting your positive experiences in life just because you get a bit of attention from laughing isn’t a good enough reason for me to stop laughing.
I see opportunities to laugh as moments of strength when your deepest enjoyments find their way to express themselves to others. Laughter provides a way to bond with friends and family and create memories that last a lifetime. Even though laughter is a knee-jerk reaction, it can be a vulnerable experience as people see your sense of humor. But when you find someone whose sense of humor matches your own, there is a deep connection that binds you within your memories.
In fact, I ask that you join me in laughter on March 19th in celebration of “Let’s Laugh Day.” Grab your favorite comedy, rom-com, or sit-com, and a group of friends to experience all of the fun with. Don’t hold back – be bold, and let your laugh be heard. Even if you laugh at something as strange as the Grinch doing yoga, like I do (loudly), or if you prefer satire. Whatever type of humor you enjoy the most, take the time to enjoy an extra chuckle on March 19th, and enjoy the beginning of spring.