There’s a reason I post a “Monday Funny” every week. Actually there are 2 reasons; 1. Many people generally have a severe case of Mondayitis and this is my small attempt at providing some relief and 2. As surprising as it may seem, I don’t mind a laugh.
Some may say I have a sick sense of humour because for some reason I find other people’s mishaps, like this model losing control of her ankles, particularly funny. Before anyone starts booing and throwing rotten tomatoes, let me add the following caveat; so long as no one is hurt either physically or emotionally (no models were harmed in the making of this post). I’ll also add here that I find my own mishaps just as funny. Take for instance this video evidence of me laughing at my brother Josh, coming a cropper only to nearly come a cropper myself.
Laughter is like Yoda, many powers it does have…
Laughter is a great leveller. Ever had a moment where you’ve felt particularly superior and cool only to have something unexpected (and usually embarrassing) happen. Like when I challenged my sister to a race on our horses whilst boasting how much I’d beat her by only to snap a stirrup leather, fall off and land unceremoniously on my butt in the dust (for the record, had I not fallen off, I WOULD have won).
Laughter can lighten a serious situation. There was nothing funny about learning my Dad had prostate cancer but there was everything funny about the, shall we say, “manhood” chocolate cake we baked him (I did warn you I had a sick sense of humour – evidently it runs in the family). Dad, who himself has a wicked sense of humour, loved the cake and appreciated the belly laugh, even if it was R rated, or rather, particularly because it was R rated.
Laughter can help you cope. During the D word, my brother took me to the movies. He chose a comedy, partly because he wanted to cheer me up and knew I needed a laugh and partly because he knew if we saw anything even remotely sentimental, I’d be a blithering mess (he wouldn’t know what to do with a blithering mess). 
The movie wasn’t even remotely sentimental, I did laugh, and I felt much better for it.
Laughter provides memories & bonds. How many times when you’re with a group of friends or family have you found someone saying, “Remember when [insert hilariously funny memory]!” The great part with reminiscing is you get to relive the experience and the laughter all over again. Hey Mum/Dad, remember when we were camping in the middle of nowhere and Genny tripped over a tent rope and landed on us kids because she heard a noise that she thought was a burglar stealing our immensely valuable camping gear!
Laughter can change your mood. My partner, Chris, does the best Smeagol/Gollum (from Lord of the Rings) voice you’ve ever heard. I’d show you a clip but he point blank refuses to do impromptu performances despite my best coercion efforts. I could be in the darkest mood and he could say anything in that voice and I’d get the giggles. Nothing cracks me up faster. Think of him saying, “Oh, come on Sami, don’t be mad.” but using this voice;
Even if the problem remains, the mood has shifted allowing the problem to be addressed more effectively.
Laughter is good for your health. Research has shown that laughter reduces stress, is good for your heart, helps your respiratory system, boosts your immunity, improves blood flow and alleviates pain. The movie Patch Adams is a great example of this. Here’s the trailer;
Laughter just plain makes you feel good. Enough said.
By the way, apparently children laugh 300 to 400 times a day and the average adult only 12 to 15. If these figures are correct (and having hung out with my 8 year old nephew, I’m guessing they are), perhaps we need to think about where we could inject some more laughter into our lives or someone elses’. This may help…
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And don’t forget that laughter is contagious, so by laughing we spread all those benefits.
I don’t know how ayone can watch the video of the quads and not laugh along. They are super cute, and such sweet giggles!
Hey Ann Elise,
Too true, it’s SO contagious and unlike swine flu, that’s a good thing.
I defy anyone to watch that clip and not at least smile!
With my three siblings, our family get-together often turn into, “Remember that time when ____”. I feel bad for our spouses because they’ve heard our stories so many times that they even “remember” our memories.
Great post — I only had time to watch the Quad Babies laughing. Very cute. (gonna go watch you almost become a cropper, now.)
xo
Laughter = awesome. And your funny Monday post was hilarious. I shared with so many friends and they loved it. Thank you!
Hey Kirwin,
Chris would know exactly what you mean about the family “remember when” conversations!
Yeah, the quads are pretty cute. Talk about laughter being contagious!
Hey Positively Present,
Thank you and you’re so right, laughter does = awesome!
Laughter promotes the release of endorphins. As you mentioned, this puts us in a good mood, melts away stress, and boosts immunity. If you can’t find something to laugh at, at least surround yourself with funny people!
Babies are a great example, they really do laugh all the time. Unfortunately, as we age, society conditions us to refrain from it.
Hey Vin,
Great suggestion. Laughter is contagious so if you hang out with others who laugh often, you will too.
Tooo funny. Seriously those laughing babies make you feel untouchable just thinking of them cracks me up. Thanks for the laugh Sami xx
Hey Chris,
Glad they had the desired effect!
I laugh every Monday when I train (smash) Sami in my fitness studio.
Hi Captain Agony, I mean, Steve,
Yeah, hardy f***ing ha!