Laugh and the world laughs with you – here’s ten reasons to laugh when it’s more important than ever

Are you headed towards burnout?  Is your stress level higher than Mount Everest? Do you feel too overwhelmed to do anything about world events at the moment?

I have a guaranteed-no-fail recipe for your improved mental health and well-being

Even if at first, it feels a little counter-intuitive.

Laughter.

Are your eyebrows climbing higher than your hairline in disbelief?

Laughter is the proverbial good medicine.

Here’s ten reasons why laughter is good for you.

But hey, if you already know that, skip down to the ten actual resources I’ll give you to laugh.

1. Everyone can do it. Laughter is universal. We learn to laugh before we learn to walk or talk.  
2. When we laugh we activate the parasympathetic nervous system- the part of us that gets us to rest, and digest.
3. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, reducing stress and promoting happiness.
4. What’s more, those same endorphins can temporarily relieve pain.
5. A good laugh increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, making you more resistant to illness.
6. Laughing increases blood flow and improves blood vessel function, reducing the risk of heart disease.
7. Laughing stimulates multiple areas of the brain, enhancing creativity, problem-solving skills, and memory retention.
8. Regular laughter lowers cortisol levels, helping to ease anxiety and combat symptoms of depression.
9. A good laugh shifts perspective, making challenges feel more manageable and reducing feelings of overwhelm.
10. Laughing reduces stress and relaxes the body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Shared laughter creates a firmer foundation to connect, bridge, and belong by laughing …..together.

“I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.” ― Maya Angelou

So let’s get laughing.

Even and especially when it doesn’t seem like there’s much to laugh about, I’ve solved that problem by giving you ten laughter resources.

1. I have faith in you. I really do.  See how and why.
2. Laughter is contagious. Check out my laugh track – listen to the lovely sounds (especially the kids) of people’s laughs I’ve collected from all over the world.
3. Play the pickle story.  See an example we made. 
4. Run your mouse over this emotion map.
5. Use this cooperative storytelling tool to tell a tale of laughter.
6. Use this old woman story outline to tell another tale of laughter.

I get it. When my beleaguered brain wakes me up at some ungodly hour worrying about the state of the world and how much cruelty is happening now, it can feel like the worst possible time to smile, let alone laugh

But more than ever we need you and your hard work.  It’s important you stay well, rested and effecting social change. 

So crack a smile, belch a belly laugh and grab your friends and colleagues to do the same while you’re at it.

P. S.

Have you grabbed your spot for this month’s Learning and Development Roundtable on Personalities and Team Work: Communicate Better, Resolve Conflict Easier and Lessen Misunderstandings with Life Lenses®? I hope you join us on March 20th. 

P.P. S.

Are you interested in brushing up on your public speaking skills? Check out the course I’m giving March 19 and 20th if you’re a UN staff (and if you’re not but you’re interested, simply reach out. Let’s talk!). I’ll also be repeating it June 18 and 19th.

Now go on and learn, laugh, and lead

Learn

• Lean in and laugh.  Pick at least one of the tools I’ve shared if your weary spirit needs a reason to giggle.

Laugh

• You can even laugh about laughing, like these extremely unusual laughs.

Lead

• Share the list with friends and colleagues. And find your own ways to tickle your funny bones.