It's (Mostly) Ok to Laugh

I’ve often said that I have a warped sense of humor.  I don’t laugh at things that lots of people find funny.  I’m not a fan of sit-coms and not to insult anyone who is, I usually find them lame.  My husband makes me laugh, which is probably one of the main reasons I married him.  Humor has gotten us through the toughest of times.  I think little kids are hilarious.  Often they aren’t trying to be funny, but things they say and do come from the most natural places, never forced.  My grandchildren keep me in stitches.  A baby gut-laughing is completely contagious for me. I’m one of those terrible people who laugh when someone falls down in a dramatic way or runs into a transparent door.  I don’t mean to be cruel; it just looks so funny to me.  When I see something like that happen, it may be a couple of minutes before I can ask someone if they are alright with a straight face.  (Disclaimer: I have never really laughed at someone who was genuinely hurt.  Ok, maybe a little….before I knew!)

The study of laughter, which is a real thing, is called gelotology.  Yes, laughter is something that has been studied extensively over long periods of time and no doubt a lot of dollars have gone into learning about why we laugh and what it does to us.  That’s somewhat laughable.  But here are some facts gleaned by researchers:

• ·       The average person laughs about 17 times per day.
• ·       Scientists agree that laughter runs a circuit through multiple areas of the brain.
• ·       Laughter results in a bout of relaxation that inhibits the fight or flight response.
• ·       As we laugh, cells that inhibit viruses and tumor production increase, as do immune responses.
• ·       There’s even something now called laughter therapy that teaches people how to laugh at things they don’t usually find funny and helps them cope with difficult situations (I may or may not need this.)
• ·       Humans are not the only animals that laugh.  It’s something they’ve studied in primates, rodents, and even larger mammals.  However, hyenas are not really laughing, just so you know.
• ·       Laughter occurs via connection and relationship.  You are 30x more likely to laugh when you are with someone than on your own.

So, with all these important facts in mind, here’s my scientific theory.  You will feel better if you interact with other people and have a good laugh.  Don’t put it off.  You have to squeeze in 17 laughs per day, so you’d better start early.  Forced laughter doesn’t have the same effect, so don’t even try.  Hang out with kids, or perhaps my husband.  If you have a very funny friend, invite them over for morning coffee.  If that doesn’t work, learn to laugh at yourself.  Most of us have good reasons to do so. 

I wish you much laughter today 17 times over.  Make it a stellar day and go for 18!