Simple Tricks to Loosen Up and Induce Laughter

Sharon Moore January 20, 2014

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It’s true – laughter is the best medicine. Vast research has shown that a good laugh can improve our health in many ways, from lowering our blood pressure and stress levels to boosting our immune system. But in a world that’s full of hassle – many people rarely laugh. With all the daily stressors and difficulties that come our way, getting a good laugh can be a difficult challenge.

Well, we’ve got some tips for you.

Hang out with cheery people. Laughter is contagious. Just seeing a person laugh could make you laugh too, even if you don’t feel like laughing. Sit down for a cup of coffee with your jolly friend. Spend time with people who have positive sense of humour. These kinds of friends are really worth keeping.

Embrace positive laughter. There’s a big difference between laughing with others and being laughed at. Whilst laughter can be a tool to boost your well-being, it can also be a weapon that can hurt others. As the saying goes, the richest laugh should not be at anyone’s expense.

Find laughter. If you don’t feel like laughing, find a reason to laugh. Watch a funny movie or a video clip, read a comic book, or crack some jokes with your peers.

Share something silly about yourself with a friend. Have you ever done something so silly, embarrassing or ridiculous before that you haven’t shared with anyone yet? Maybe it’s time to share that funny moment with a friend. It can be tempting not to share those silly moments but sometimes, one of the best ways to share a great laugh. 

Laugh at yourself. No, this doesn’t mean you should be mean to yourself. It simply means not to take life too seriously. We all do silly and embarrassing things during unexpected moments but instead of feeling bad about it, sometimes the best way to deal with such situation is to simply laugh at it.

Watch a funny film with your friends. Watching a comedy film can really give you a good laugh but it is even better if you watch it with someone else, such as your friends and family.

Don’t force the laugh. You just can’t force people to laugh with you. Laughter is invited, not demanded. If your friend is not feeling well or has just argued with his or her partner, don’t expect that they will laugh with you. Start with a smile and go on from there.

Add a positive touch in your environment. Positivity attracts laughter and happiness. So if you want to be in a sunnier mindset, perk up your room, office or workstation. Keep your favourite toys, family photos and souvenirs in your desk. Install one or two games in your computer. Place a big “smiley” poster on your wall. These simple tweaks in your environment can have a huge impact on your well-being.

Love your laugh. Don’t worry if other people hate the way your laugh sounds. Your laugh is part of who you are and there’s nothing wrong about it. Restricting yourself to laugh can put your well-being and happiness at risk.

Laughter gives us a break from the hard parts of life. It’s a great way to free our minds from the worries of the past and the concerns of the future, and to really enjoy the present moment. So don’t deny laughter. Laugh whenever you can. Seek it out and enjoy it as it happens.