Laughter Bridges A Gap

I was 10 years old when my mother returned from a conference where she’d been away for at least a couple of days. and she presented me with a sock monkey as a gift. I’ve had a fascination with monkeys ever since—their habits, the way they fixate on each other, and the displays of affections they show for each other. But I think, after having missed my mommy, the sock monkey made me laugh, and often times laugher bridges a gap.

Ever since that little girl episode, sock monkeys have made me laugh out loud.

Laughter Is Contagious

A good sense of humor is a wonderful trait. Test out a hearty burst of laughter and see if it doesn’t at least make others around you smile.

Simon Hagan is the main character in my recently released novel EASTBOUND FROM FLAGSTAFF. Simon has a contagious laugh to complement his seriousness. I think it takes him a long way on the bumpy road of life.

Laugh, and the world laughs with you;

Weep, and you weep alone;

For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,

But has trouble enough of its own.

Sing, and the hills will answer;

Sigh, it is lost on the air . . . 

There’s more BY ELLA WHEELER WILCOX

Laughter Reduces Your Response To Stress

When you laugh it increases your system’s blood flow and oxygenation. That, in turn, stimulates the heart and lungs and triggers the release of endorphins that help you to feel more relaxed both physically and emotionally.

Who doesn’t need a healthy response to stress?

Laughter Relieves Pain

It’s not about changing pain levels. The amount of pain remains the same, but perceived pain levels reduce with laughter. So bring more laughter into your life:

• Make humor a priority by reading a funny book, watching a comedy, or listening to your favorite comedian.
• Share laughter with friends. Spend more time with people who have fun.
• Remember that life is funny. The ability to laugh at yourself makes you attractive to others and can help relieve your own stress. 
• Know what isn’t funny. Laughing at the expense of others isn’t funny. Be discerning about your humor by laughing with—not at—people.  

Your ability to laugh can be cultivated with practice, so start by prioritizing fun.

Take another look at my monkeys. (Okay, they are baboons.) It’s just plain fun to laugh!