You Should Laugh…A Lot

Recently I read that the average four-year-old child laughs approximately 300 times a day, whereas a 40-year-old adult typically laughs only four times daily. I am not exactly sure how this fact was tabulated, but I personally agree that this statistic is true based on my childhood experience and subsequently raising five children of my own. I tried to find the specific study to share but found no solid research citations after perusing the internet, blogs, and social medias. Doesn’t really matter to me. I choose to believe the numbers are factual based on life experience, and my point really is that children laugh way more than adults do.

When I was growing up, I laughed a lot. A whole lot. So much so that my dad chastised me by calling me a hyena. Honest to God. He called me a hyena to stifle my laughter and joy. Rude. It didn’t really work except in his looming presence. I understand that my parents had a lot to manage from work to family finances. I saw my dad work two jobs at times to keep afloat. I had a great childhood – no major complaints – which is why I probably laughed so much. I chose to be happy. I suppose my dad was not so much which still makes me sad to consider.

Childhood Bliss

I think in general that children have less stress than adults. That’s a broad generalization, I know. Not every child has it easy. Many are intrinsically in tune with family worries or unusual circumstances of home life unique to them. Adults on the other hand have a range of worries and responsibilities whether they are parents or not – and stresses that are unique to them as well.

Our family has recently been blessed with a grandson. It is amazing to watch our son interact with his son who is now laughing. His laughter is certainly a reaction to interactions with his parents. He has figured out that his laughter makes them laugh too.

As a baby’s mind develops, his/her reaction to something grows into actually participating in the humor – or rather, doing something to make others laugh. As the baby’s mind continues to develop, language becomes part of their world and a whole new evolution of laughter erupts. First the requisite raspberries spewing spit, then before you know it the poop jokes begin. A young child’s filter is thin or nonexistent, which is the best part.

Laughter’s Benefits

Psychologists label laughter as an “emotional experience.” Laughter can be triggered by a range of emotions beyond simply finding something funny or joyful. Some people laugh in embarrassing situations while others laugh in uncomfortable situations. Laughter tends to be involuntary and can enable greater communication and bonding among people you know well and those not so well known to you.

So then, what are some of these health benefits you ask. It seems there is a direct connection to laughter and the release of endorphins – the feel-good neurotransmitters that are the “chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons in the brain and nervous system” according to simplypsychology.org. Neurotransmitters apparently play a pivotal role in modulating numerous psychological functions, encompassing mood regulation, emotional processing, stress responses, and cognitive activities. Physically, laughter can increase blood flow which improves mental and physical resilience.

It makes sense then that when we give-in to laughter, we feel more positive and optimistic, more hopeful and engaged. People are friendlier, more resourceful, more attractive, more radiantly alive.

Grownup Laughs

My husband has always made me laugh. Early in our courtship and marriage we would enjoy a good belly roll together about the strangest of things and everyday nonsense. When I really get going, my laugh turns into a cackle – kind-of duck-like. I’m not proud, just sharing. My husband is especially good at delivering a joke with a straight face and nails the punch line every time. Years ago his repertoire turned into dad-jokes. He still employs dad-jokes that now make our grownup kids roll their eyes and ultimately give me a good chuckle.

Looking back I do see that our laughter waned with the busyness of life, with both of us being self-employed, raising five children, caring for aging parents, and on and on. I’m happy to share that our grandson has us laughing again on a regular basis and experiencing childhood bliss through his eyes.

“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing." George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950)

Reasons to Laugh

Let’s close by getting back to the statistical stuff that may or may not be part of larger medical research or scientific studies at universities and institutions of higher learning. Certainly there is a ton of information out there to consider, but I would like to think that people who love to laugh are healthier and happier simply based on my own life experience.

Here are a few of my thoughts on why you need more laughter in your life.

~ It’s contagious

~ It’s attractive

~ It’s a bonding mechanism

~ It’s a stress, anxiety, and fear reducer

~ It’s good for your respiratory health (remember those deep cackles!)

~ It’s a mini-workout (think about those abdominals contracting!)

~ It’s the best way to not take yourself so seriously

So then, can we agree to say that life can be much better and brighter when we share laughs with one another? I hope so! We all need to feel good about taking the time to watch a rom-com (classic or modern), listen to an episode of the Smartless podcast, or simply carving out some space to talk to those important to you whether in person or on the phone – no texting!

Share your thoughts! Contemplate this question and share a comment below: How does laughter influence your perspectives and attitudes towards life?