If you glance back at television history, you might notice a trend: of all the shows ever created, it seems that the most successful, beloved, and longest-running series are comedies. From I Love Lucy to Cheers to The Office, much of TV’s most iconic programming finds its way into our hearts and homes through our funny bones. Is this a coincidence? I’d say not, given the fact that such shows appeal to one of our most common and deep-seated human desires: to laugh.
These days, the old adage, “Laughter is the best medicine,” might strike many of us as cliché and overly sentimental. But for anyone who has reaped the benefits of a good belly-laugh --- which would be most of us, if I had to venture a guess --- the saying rings true. Laughter has an undeniable and almost inexplicable power to lift our spirits, foster a sense of connection, and tether us to reality.
Whatever your physical or relational setting --- at home or at work, with friends or among colleagues --- laughter leads to a myriad of positive outcomes. And wonderfully, laughter begets even more laughter, multiplying its uplifting effects.
Your body and mind will thank you
As strange as it may sound, laughter can contribute to your physical and mental health in a mighty way. Much like the food that you consume and activity in which you partake, the presence or absence of laughter in your life can affect how your body copes with stress. When laughter is a regular part of your day, it serves as a natural stress-reliever and even helps to assuage some physical pains, strengthen your immunity, and enhance your circulation. As a result, your mood improves and you feel better-prepared to overcome the daily challenges that you face. Laughter is a great first step toward holistic wellness.
Your relationships will flourish
In addition to its health benefits, laughter serves in many ways as the ultimate social lubricant. It often leads to and results from stimulating conversation. Within groups of friends, good laughs become the best and longest-lasting memories, deepening existing connections and reviving relationships that have fallen by the wayside. When faced with a difficult discussion or a tense dynamic, laughter helps to defuse, deescalate, and recalibrate. Similarly, when an awkward social situation presents itself, laughter immediately disarms us and breaks the ice. Whether you’re at a high-school reunion or a networking event, find opportunities to infuse humor --- and watch laughter work its wonders.
Your home and workplace will brighten up
In both spheres of your life, you have some measure of ability to set the tone. By making time for the witty and the goofy, you help to keep things in perspective: that challenging job assignment looks a little less intimidating; that disappointing math grade doesn’t feel quite as devastating; that morning spat becomes a distant memory. Laughter uniquely energizes and feeds us, creating a positive ripple effect on our interactions with those around us.
On this International Joke Day…
Lighten up, will you?! Just joking… But really, if you find that laughter’s lacking in your life, use today to reconnect with the silly side of yourself. Break out the old joke book, revisit your comedy of choice, or get together with that friend who always makes you bust a gut. Heck, do all three! Now’s as good a time as ever to reintroduce some levity after a particularly heavy year.
When I really think about it, laughter truly is one of the things I love most about life. What a gift it is that something that brings us so much joy is, in many ways, so easy to come by. May this be true for all of us, this International Joke Day and every other day.
