As I walked in the early morning with my girlfriend, Cindy K., it was fun to hear our laughter echoing off the buildings near us. It was delightful, engaging and uplifting.
It made me wonder about the benefit of laughing or giggling. In an article on Nice News/Health, a clinical psychologist offered, "Some studies suggest laughter can temporarily lower stress hormones like cortisol and increase pain tolerance, possibly through endorphin release."*
Booya! Gave me license to be silly to get people with me to bust out a laugh.
Try This: It’s Good to Laugh!
While we may have health benefits from laughing, chuckling or giggling, it does take effort and awareness to get others to enjoy it with you. Here are some ideas for this week:
- Tell a joke - whether you have a knock-knock, dad or self-deprecating joke, simply pause at the end with a big smile to prompt a laugh.
- Say a clever pun - this may be more of a giggle or chuckle version, but a knowing nod at the end can get the other person smiling.
- Be sarcastic - yet be careful to put it all on you and your behavior, not the other person to avoid an insult.
- Share a funny story - whether a cute pet adventure or repeating a time when you got tickled, a quick tale can often get the other person giggling.**
While there are other ways to get someone to laugh, the idea is to embrace making others giggle, chuckle, guffaw, or grin. As Cindy and I laughed as we walked, others heard us and they smiled. So, it's really the best medicine that keeps on giving!
* Is Laughter Truly the Best Medicine, https://nicenews.com/health-and-wellness/psychologist-benefits-laughter/
** How to Make People Laugh, https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Someone-Laugh