Laugh More, Stress Less: 7 Simple Ways to Add More Joy to Your Day
Peek Inside 👇
When was the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt?
As we grow older, we tend to laugh less. Studies suggest that kids laugh up to 300 times a day, while adults experience far fewer moments of joy. The good news? You can train yourself to laugh more and feel greater joy.
Here are seven science-backed ways to bring more laughter and joy into your daily routine.
1. Seek Out Humour in Everyday Life
Life is full of amusing moments if we take the time to notice them. Try placing ‘What’s funny about this?’ reminders in your home or workspace to encourage a habit of noticing humour in daily situations. Whether it’s a quirky typo, an oddly shaped vegetable, or your pet’s antics, being open to the humour in everyday occurrences can brighten your day.
To reinforce this habit, keep a ‘laughter therapy log.’ At the end of each day, jot down three things that made you laugh. Over time, this will train your brain to notice humour more often.
2. Curate Your Digital Feed for Laughter Therapy
Social media 📱 can be a double-edged sword when it comes to mood. To make it work in your favour, follow pages and comedians that make you laugh. Turn your scrolling time into a source of joy instead of stress.
Consider setting up a ‘joy folder’ where you save particularly funny videos or memes to revisit when you need a pick-me-up. This way, you always have a go-to collection of light-hearted content at your fingertips.
3. Schedule ‘Fun Breaks’
Work and responsibilities can be overwhelming, making it essential to schedule intentional ‘fun breaks’ throughout your day. Whether it’s watching a funny clip, reading a joke, or chatting with a lighthearted friend, these moments can recharge you and provide a fresh perspective on your tasks.
😄 Simply anticipating a laughter break can lower stress. Plan ahead to ensure you always have something fun to look forward to.
4. Try Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga 🧘♂️ may seem unusual, but research supports its ability to lower stress and elevate mood. It combines intentional laughter with deep breathing to promote relaxation and joy.
If you can’t find a Laughter Yoga group nearby, try this at home: stand in front of a mirror and laugh for 30 seconds—soon, genuine laughter will follow. It may feel awkward at first, but soon, genuine laughter will take over, leaving you feeling uplifted.
5. Surround Yourself with Playful People
Laughter is contagious, so spending time with people who have a sense of humour can help you laugh more naturally. Engage with those who bring positive energy rather than drain it.
If you don’t have many humorous people in your circle, consider attending live comedy shows or joining online communities where laughter is encouraged. Even listening to a funny podcast while commuting can lift your spirits.
6. Revisit Your Funniest Moments
Reflecting on past humorous experiences can instantly boost your mood. Whether it’s an inside joke, a funny holiday story, or an embarrassing but hilarious mishap, reliving these moments can bring joy.
Keep a humour journal for funny memories or create a shared folder with friends for hilarious videos and voice notes. This way, you always have a personal collection of laugh-out-loud moments to revisit.
7. Incorporate Play into Your Routine
Play isn’t just for kids—it’s an essential ingredient for creativity, relaxation, and overall happiness. Engaging in playful activities boosts dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, and encourages spontaneous laughter.
Whether it’s playing a game, trying a new hobby, or allowing yourself to be silly, moments of play add more joy to your life. Try:
- Playing charades or a fun board game with friends
- Having a playful competition with colleagues (e.g., who can tell the worst joke?)
- Revisiting a childhood activity like doodling or skipping
🎉 By prioritising play, you naturally invite more moments of laughter and joy into your life.
The Takeaway: Prioritise Laughter for a Happier Life
Incorporating more laughter into your day isn’t just about having fun—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your mental and physical health 🎯 . When you laugh more, you stress less, and life feels lighter and more manageable.
Start today! Choose one of these strategies and feel the positive shift in your mood. And remember: you don’t need a reason to laugh—sometimes, laughing for the sake of it is the best medicine of all.
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