12 Reasons to Make Someone Laugh Today

06.24.2011 | 3 min read

What did one eye say to the other eye?

Something between us smells.

Cheesy? Yes! Did it make you smile? Well, I hope so. As we all know, life is great when we can share laughs with one another.

The Best Medicine

We have heard that laughter is the best medicine, but did you know that laughter increases happiness and intimacy? Best of all, it is free, fun and easy to use. And, laughter benefits the body physically, emotionally and socially.

Laughter can:

Strengthen the immune system

Boost energy

Diminish pain

Protect from the damaging effects of stress

Relaxe the whole body

Prevent heart disease

Ease anxiety and fear

Improve mood

Strengthen relationships

Attract us to others

Enhance teamwork

Promote group bonding

Medically Necessary

According to an article from NY Times, professionals in the medical field, artists and writers are incorporating humor, specifically comics, to tackle sensitive diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Alcoholism. This method isn’t being used when a patient is diagnosed with these diseases, rather when coping with the disease on a personal level with a family member and/or friend. The article shares:

Comics have also been used in creating professional manuals so colleagues can learn and relate in a new and different way. These graphic novels “can break down defensive mechanisms that doctors construct to deal with patients’ problems”.

This isn’t to say that using tasteful humor to help patients cope with a serious diagnosis isn’t out of the question. I think this can be helpful once the shock has worn off and the patient is in the acceptance stage. Humor often comes from pain and reminds us that we are human and will cope in our own way. Maybe with a bit of humor, it will be an easier pill to swallow, so to speak.

Laugh Often

Bringing more laughter into your life doesn’t sound like it would be too hard; but, for some people, it may be. Sometimes life gets us down and it is hard to think of the positive things or even consider laughing. If this sounds familiar – start small – and try one or more of the following:

Smile: It is contagious just like laughing

Count your blessings: Make a list of the good things in your life. Concentrating on the good things in your life will help break down the barrier that is keeping you from happiness and laughter.