Soooo, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much I need a little laugh or 10. My brain is screaming for something funny, humorous if you will. Something to break up the not so fun or even “hum-drum (hey that rhymed) of everyday life. That thought then spawned into thinking about arm bones and literal humerus’. Oh to be a fly on the wall in my own brain .. Anywho, after I dug myself out of a rabbit hole of fun and bones, I figured if I needed a laugh maybe someone else does too… Cue monologue on happy feel goods.
Speaking of rabbit holes… Here are some fun facts about humor and laughing that I was able to scrounge up on my deep dive into the abyss of the interwebs through my exploration of laughter. You may not have known, but according to numerous studies recorded over decades of research by reputable sources like the University of Berkeley and other educational institutions (no-sub Reddits here, though please do check them out for another giggle or two), laughing releases endorphins which also releases dopamine and dopamine is one of the chemicals in our brain that contributes to happiness. If you want to get all technical Health.gov says “dopamine acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dopamine also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement and other body functions”. So it makes sense that in a Time Magazine article written by Glenn Glasser “Research has linked laughter with boosts in immune function, pain tolerance, cardiovascular health and maybe even memory retention”.
Okay let’s jump right into another rabbit hole find which will most assuredly lead to another one here in the near future trying to find a video of this, but did you know the world record for laughing was set by a man named Rajendra Kumar in India, in 2022 where he was able to record the longest consistent laugh for 3hrs and 47 minutes.
So here’s to a daily dose of heart health and endorphins (if only it were that simple). I’ll also add that as much as it’s “fun” to laugh and enjoy the brighter side of life. It’s also okay to not be okay. There may be times when a well timed joke or two hits the spot and others where they just kind of fall flat and that’s okay. You get to find what works for you, but don’t give up. Keep trying. Not a humor person? What about arts and crafts? I’m not particularly skilled in that arena, but I can find enjoyment and certainly laugh at myself. Perhaps you’re an outdoor person? Whatever it is. Choose you, choose to take the time to do whatever makes you smile. Whatever gives you a moment’s release in a kind and loving way. Not only have I attached some jokes for you here but other ways to get those endorphins flowing. They may be lame but I’ve found them HI-LAIR-E-OUS so enjoy and be kind to yourself.