Open your Laughter Channels
Happy April Fool’s Day! Ever notice how quickly children respond to a suggestion to have fun? Unlike us serious, overworked, homeowners, children don’t need to open their laughter channels—they’re already flowing. This morning my four year old put a dog bone in the oven and told Blair to check out the chocolate cake we made him.
Studies show that the average child laughs between 80-100 times per day, while us typical adults squeak out a mere 5 laughs a day. Even though we know that laughter boasts significant health benefits such as improved heart health, increased happy hormone release and enhanced core strength, we still forget about joy as a viable part of our vitality regime.
“Oh my life is such a mess and these times are so stressful that there’s nothing to laugh about”, you may be saying. But opening your laughter channels is as easy as turning your face to the sun. It does require intention though, since we are deeply programmed to see the serious side of life.
Here are some practical, real life suggestions for opening your laughter channels:
Turn up the corners of your mouth and then just start laughing. It may feel forced initially but after hearing yourself laugh for a moment, you’ll feel the silliness spread. When other people hear you, they’ll join in, or at least they’ll want to.
See your life as a Seinfeld episode. When Blair messes up, which is quite frequent, he commonly refers to himself as George Castanza. He’s kinda starting to look like him…
Follow the lead of the children in your life. When we laugh with them, we suddenly become very popular because we are sharing their laughter language.
Remind yourself to lighten by wearing a wacky accessory like a wild hat (but please refrain from creepy fake teeth).
For serious comic relief, put on the tunes and stir it up. Dancing is one of the most efficient ways to enliven your whole system, and depending on your skill, almost always leads to a smile for others.
Om Shanti—heeheehee!
Jenny