We need more giggles in our lives

I know, I know. Life can be tricky sometimes. Plot twists being thrown at you left right and centre. Trying to keep it all together, it's easy to get bogged down in seriousness. I forget to laugh when I'm so caught up in work stress, particularly as I'm in the midst of writing my final research project for my MSc. It isn't until I talk to my children, who have flown the nest and have a wicked sense of humour, that I realise how much I need that lightness in my life.

But here's something to ponder - being overly serious isn't doing you any favours. Maya Angelou wisely said,

"I don't trust anyone who doesn't laugh."

Think about it. When did you last connect with someone utterly devoid of humour or lightheartedness? Chances are, you can't remember. That's because we naturally gravitate to people who can make us smile, even when discussing serious matters.

Don't believe me? Next time you're scrolling through social media or at a networking event, pay attention to the posts & people that catch your eye. I'd bet good money they're not the preachy, lecture-y ones. We're all looking for that little spark of entertainment, that momentary escape from the daily grind.

That's where the humour comes in. Laughter is one of life's simplest yet most powerful tools. Not only does it make you more approachable and relatable, but it also has some incredible psychological benefits.

Martin (2019) explains, "Proposed links between humour and positive wellbeing are intuitive; it makes sense that those with a good sense of humour will be in a better position to weather difficult situations, enjoy more cohesive relationships, find humour in all sorts of experiences, and benefit from more positive mental and physical health."

The research backs up what we inherently know - having a good sense of humour hugely benefits our wellbeing. Studies have found that adaptive humour is linked to higher self-esteem, happiness, lower anxiety, and a better ability to cope with stress (Liu, 2012; Vaughan et al., 2014; Szabo et al., 2005).

In the workplace, humour has been shown to increase performance, creativity, collaboration, better customer relations, lower burnout and withdrawal, and boost job satisfaction. For instance, during a team meeting, a well-timed joke can Break the tension and foster a more open and productive discussion. Positive humour acts as a buffer against work stress and promotes more effective functioning on the job.

These benefits aren't just for a select few - they're for all of us. Whether you're a working professional, a student, or a stay-at-home parent, cultivating a good sense of humour can significantly improve your mental health, relationships, and career success. It's a universal tool that we all have access to.

Let me share a joke to prove my point: A sandwich walks into a bar. The barman says, "Sorry, we don't serve food here."

Corny, I know, but I bet it made you crack a smile!

So, I encourage you to step towards a lighter, more humorous life. Share a joke with your friends and colleagues. Send a funny meme to your group chat. Or, notice and appreciate the little moments of humour that brighten your day. You have the power to bring more laughter into your life.

If you're not getting enough chuckles these days, try incorporating some of these humour boosters:

1. Watch or listen to stand-up comedy specials

2. Spend time with the funny people in your life

3. Don't let others dictate your sense of humour - laugh at what you find amusing

4. Read funny books and comics

5. Play with a pet - it's hard not to smile around a puppy or kitten

6. Embrace your inner child and be silly - laughter often comes from tapping into that playful spirit

At the end of the day, the most important conversations and connections happen when we're open, authentic, and, yes, sometimes even a little bit quirky. The more serious life is, the more crucial it is to be lighthearted, funny, and creative.

Making little adjustments to invite more humour and fun into your daily life can pay enormous dividends for your mood and wellbeing. So go ahead and get those laugh muscles working. The world could use more giggles.

References

Martin, R. A. (2019). Humor. In M. W. Gallagher & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Positive psychological assessment: A handbook of models and measures (pp. 305–316). American Psychological Association.

Liu, K. W. Y. (2012). Humor styles, self-esteem, and subjective happiness(Outstanding Academic Papers by Students (OAPS)). Retrieved from City University of Hong Kong, CityU Institutional Repository.

Vaughan, J., Zeigler-Hill, V., & Arnau, R. C. (2014). Self-esteem instability and humor styles: Does the stability of self-esteem influence how people use humor? The Journal of Social Psychology, 154, 299–310.

Szabo, A., Ainsworth, S. E., & Danks, P. K. (2005). Experimental comparison of the psychological benefits of aerobic exercise, humor, and music. Humor, 18, 235–246.

A bit about Sarah - I'm The Positivity Pathfinder, helping you navigate life's unexpected plot twists. I've been stuck and felt lost and alone after setbacks. I transformed those stumbling blocks into stepping stones. I'm on a mission to help others do the same - turning detours into growth through mindset and habit shifts. Ready to chart a new fulfilling course? I'll walk that path with you.