I was leafing through this book, “Uncle John’s Did You Know?“….., and came across this “fact” in the chapter “THE AVERAGE”….’person laughs 17 times a day.’ I ended up doing a Google search, and that informed me that the “average person” laughs approximately 13-18 times a day.

I happened to laugh only two times the other day. Once, in a social situation where it called out for laughter, and another when I was talking with a friend about something silly. That was it. Two times. In one day. I don’t even come close to the average 17 times a day.

Children’s laughter

A 4-year-old child laughs about 300 times a day! This fact made me giggle as I remembered my kids at that age, laughing at simple things like a squirrel jumping, a dandelion blowing in the wind, or even a burp from another child—especially if it came from an adult. Everything seemed to make them giggle, and it always made me smile. It was so refreshing to see so much joy.

What is laughter?

According to Wikipedia, “Laughter is a complex, involuntary, and universal human behavior that serves as both a physical reaction to stimuli (like humor, tickling, or stress) and a crucial social signal. It consists of rhythmic, vocalized, and expiratory actions, such as “ha-ha-ha” or “ho-ho-ho,” which work to bond people, relieve tension, and communicate positive emotional states.”

or: “Laughter is a typically pleasant physical reaction and emotion consisting usually of rhythmical, usually audible contractions of the diaphragm”. (Cambridge dictionary)

Now that I’ve become an adult and my children aren’t 4 anymore, I realize I don’t laugh about things like that. I’ve seen it before. I’ve seen that dandelion floating into the wind, or that squirrel jumping from tree to tree. It’s old hat. Life started happening along with other things that took my preoccupation. I have ‘serious, adult’ issues to deal with now. Right???

“The Tao of Peace”

Reading the book “The Tao of Peace” by Diane Dreher asks, “When was the last time you really laughed?” It suggests doing something spontaneous and fun, like watching a funny movie or play. Live with enthusiasm and give compliments.

Some funny movies I like;

Planes, Trains, Automobiles, Bridesmaids, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and my favorite, The Princess Bride. Meet the Parents, Dale and Tucker vs. Evil, Monty Python…. I can think of a bunch more now that I’ve got going.

One of my favorite activities to put a smile on my face is to go to the dog park with Charley.

There’s a cat cafe where I can sit with cats, which always makes me smile and might lead to laughter later.

Watch old Looney Tune cartoons, or Courage, the Cowardly Dog show.

Laughter Best Medicine

I’ve heard the saying before that laughter is the best medicine. “Laughter reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, and dopamine; increases health-enhancing hormones (such as endorphins), neurotransmitters, and infection-fighting antibodies; and improves blood flow to the heart—all resulting in greater relaxation and resistance to disease, as well as improved mood and positive outlook” according to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-possibility-paradigm/201106/youre-not-laughing-enough-and-thats-no-joke.

Laughter connects you to people. It also diffuses anger it says.

Laughter also burns calories. Laughing 10-15 minutes will burn about 40 calories. Won’t lead to major weight loss, but, heck, it’s fun.

The study of laughter is called gelotology.

Anyway, I’m going to make it a point to laugh more than two times a day. Maybe not take myself so seriously, try to see the irony in things. Watch and relish Charley and Stella and their funny ways, and connect more with people. And take some of my suggestions.

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to start living spontaneously, and look for the ironies in life and enjoy them. Take the time out to see a funny movie or play, or do something just for the fun of it. But, be sure to share it with others. Spread the joy.