Shared Laughter boosts connection: Here’s how to experience more of it
by Sebastien Saitta
LOL! Ha Ha! Lmao! 😂. Expressing laughter these days certainly has evolved in a “funny” way with the use of technology. But are people really laughing behind those emoji’s and acronyms? One thing is for certain; we need laughter in our lives now more than ever and we need to do it together. In fact, laughter is inherently social. People are up to 30 times more likely to laugh in social contexts than when alone.
Social distancing, social media, social anxiety, social-this and social-that have made us anything but social. Consequently, we have missed out on the experience of shared laughter. Even some who have spent their entire careers making us laugh together have now given us reason to frown (enter the Will Smith and Chris rock debacle). It’s time to pick up the pieces and join others in laughter again.
Danish-American comedian, conductor, and pianist, Victor Borge said, “Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” Many of us would agree that it draws people together more and even triggers many positive physical and emotional changes. To name a few, laughter helps us let go of stress, improves our immune system, improves mood, helps relieve pain, increases optimism, and decreases blood pressure. When we laugh together (not at the expense of others), the benefits are even greater.
Here are some ways to bring back group laughter.
Turn off the news and turn on a comedy
Unfortunately, much of today’s news has a way of dividing us and pointing out our differences. It’s time to turn the tables and watch a good comedy or TV sitcom together instead. Behavioral research shows that shared laughter may communicate to others that we have a similar worldview, which strengthens our relationships and momentarily boosts a sense of connection.
Try laughing Yoga
Okay, this one may sound a little strange at first but it is growing in popularity (more than 5,000 clubs worldwide) and it works! It can even be done online. It is built upon the idea that laughing is contagious. Simply put, people get together and practice laughter as a group. What starts out as forced laughter often turns into spontaneous laughter. These laughing sessions can also include breathwork and meditation.
Still not your thing? We get it. Try the alternative of watching babies laughing on YouTube. If that doesn’t get you laughing or at the very least chuckling, I don’t know what will.
Enjoy friends @ 5
This Blue Zones longevity principle encourages us to be social and spend more time with our friends. In fact, being social is the best way to bring more laughter into your life. Did you know that laughter between friends has its own special acoustical signature? A behavioral study found that true laughter between friends was made up of more abrupt, varied sounds, while people who didn’t know each other tended to stick to more uniform ha-ha-has. Does this mean we laugh better when we are with friends? Maybe so and at the very least, laughter is a great indicator of human cooperation and relationship quality. The more friends laugh together, the better the friendship.
Practice Improv Comedy
If laughter is medicine, then improv comedy is the active ingredient. Short for improvisation, this form of live theatre plays out where the whole performance to include the plot, characters and dialogue is made up spontaneously. In other words, there’s no script to follow. Many improv comedy performances start with a group suggestion and then the performers riff off of that suggestion. The great thing about improv is that it can be done anywhere with a group of people and it's great fun without any pressure. Check out these online videos of fun-filled improv games and techniques from Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida worksite, The Naples Players. Or, you can join them at an online class for free. What does a hamburger and a dirty gym sock have to do with each other? Or a dog and a bowl of soup? Watch these videos to find out.
Remember to find more reasons to laugh in life and share it with others in a positive way. The world will laugh with you and become a better place because of it.
Brought to Southwest Florida by NCH Healthcare System, in collaboration with Sharecare, Inc., Blue Zones Project is part of Southwest Florida’s well-being improvement initiative that encourages changes in the community that lead to healthier options. For more information, visit southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com.
