I often reply “LOL” (Laugh Out Loud) to a text or social media post that is amusing but does not actually make me laugh. That’s because I tend to take life way too seriously, which means very few things cause me to laugh out loud.
When I do laugh, though, it’s a wonderful experience, one I would like to have more often. It’s good for me in multiple ways.
Benefits of laughter
Laughter has many benefits in addition to the pure joy it gives us. As it turns out, laughter truly is good medicine for multiple reasons.
This website is one of many that lists some of the benefits of laughing. Did you know that laughter releases endorphins, which not only make us happier but also reduce physical pain?
Laughing also significantly lowers the level of stress hormones in our bodies, gives our stomach muscles a workout, and strengthens our immune systems.
As reported here, laughter has some benefits that might surprise you. It improves memory. It helps us sleep better. It improves communication, which helps us form closer bonds with others. The article on verywellmind.com concludes with this advice:
Therefore, turn to whatever makes you laugh, especially during trying times. Those viral TikTok videos and funny memes are not momentary pleasures. They help us cope with anxiety, fear, and grief. At the same time, you’ll also be activating a host of health-related benefits for yourself and others.
What makes me laugh
As I mentioned above, things that make others laugh often fail to have that effect on me. I have found a few things that consistently make me laugh, though.
When we go to bed at night, my husband sometimes reads me a funny story from one of Patrick McManus’ books. Usually, at least one incident described in that story is humorous enough to make me laugh out loud. If not, seeing my husband (who has a great sense of humor and laughs easily and often) laugh so hard that he can’t keep reading does.
This image also cracks me up. It’s a photo of a beautiful cake shaped and decorated to look like a lamb, placed above a photo of an unbelievably bad attempt to imitate it. The first time I saw it, I couldn’t stop laughing.
I laugh out loud at some of the scenes in the original Shrek movie, too. Words can’t adequately describe how funny they are, but this site tries to. You can also watch the entire movie online for $3.99 here.
What makes you laugh?
I’d love to hear what makes you laugh. If it’s something available online, please include a link to it in your comment. All of us could use more laughter in our lives, so let’s help each other find reasons to laugh out loud!
My grandbabies, 7, 4, and 2. Rip-roaring hysteria anytime I mingle with those three 🤣🤣🤣
Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman on the podcast Smartless. If you're bothered by profanity, it's not for you, but I have had several spit-your-coffee-out moments.