4 Reasons You Should Laugh More
Here are some announcements found in actual church bulletins:
“Tonight’s Sermon: WHAT IS HELL? Come early and listen to our choir practice.”
“CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE. A good opportunity to get rid of anything not worth keeping but too good to throw away. Don’t forget your husband.”
“Due to the Pastor’s illness, Wednesday’s healing service will be discontinued until further notice.”
“The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.”
“Don’t let worry kill you…let the church help.”
“Our Church Book Store announces their Semi-Annual After-Christmas Sale.”
“Please help our young people with their Flea Market. They are starting from scratch.”
A man was eating at a nice banquet and bit into something hard that broke his dental plate. The man beside him reached into his pocket and pulled out a dental plate for him to try. He put it in his mouth…pulled it out and said, “This is too big.” The man beside him pulls another one out of his pocket… He tries it and says, “This is too small.” The man beside him pulled a third dental plate out of his pocket. This one actually fit just right. “Imagine that” he said, “I broke my dental plate while sitting right beside a dentist.” “I am not a dentist” the man beside him replied, “I am an undertaker.”
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”Studies show that laughter lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. Some hospitals actually use laughter therapy in the healing process. Zig Ziglar used to say “Laughter is low calorie, caffeine free, no salt, no preservatives or additives, 100% natural, and one size fits all. It is contagious, but never committed a crime, started a war, or broke up a relationship. It cost nothing and is non-taxable.”
Did you know the average four-year-old laughs about 400 times a day? The average adult laughs only 15 to 16 times a day. Maybe that is one of the reasons Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, NIV).
There are many reasons we should laugh more often as adults. However, I want to address four specific reasons you should laugh more.
- It Creates Connection
The more laughter within a group, the more bonding within that group. Companies, churches, families, or friendships; if you want a tighter connection with a group of people, laughter can create that connection. Laughter is an encourager. As long as you are not laughing at someone’s shortcomings, laughter within a group can be an encouragement to people. Who does not enjoy being around people who make them happier? Laughter creates connection. If you want more unity in your company, church or family, create more laughter.
- It Breaks Down Barriers
Laughter can break down the walls that cause division in your organization. Christian comedian Susan O’Donnel says, “It’s really hard to be really ticked off when you are laughing…You can…But you have to be a parent.” (Those of us who are parents can identify.) Laughter actually shuts off the flow of stress hormones. Therefore, you are more relaxed and more accepting and forgiving. If you want to break down some of those barriers of division in your organization bring laughter to the table.
- It Makes Communication More Effective
Two boys were dressed up like devils for Halloween. As they were out doing their trick-or-treating, a big storm came up. The boys noticed a church nearby that was having services so they decided to go in to get out of the rain. Just as they opened the door a loud crash of thunder sounded and a large flash of lightning lit up the sky. This caused the lights of the church building to go out for just a few seconds. When the lights came back on the congregation noticed the boys dressed like devils. Sensing the fear in the people’s faces, the two boys decided to chase them with their pitch forks. Everyone in the church began to run for their lives.
One man’s shirt got hung on one of the pews and he could not get loose. One of the boys walked right up to him. The man quickly said, “I have been a deacon in this church for over 20 years…But I have been on your side the whole time!”
Stories like this often help people relax and be more open to what is being said next. Because laughter builds better connection and breaks down barriers it helps in making communication more effective.
- It Creates Optimism
There was a man in a restaurant who noticed a woman staring at him. It was making him a little uncomfortable when all of the sudden the woman got up and began walking toward him. When she got to him she said, “Forgive me for staring, but you look just like my third husband! The color of your eyes, the style of your hair, the clothes you are wearing, your mannerisms… You look just like my third husband!” “Your third husband?” the man replied, “How many times have you been married?” She answered, “twice!”
Now that was one optimistic woman! If you laughed at that story then your optimism went up as well. Laughter actually triggers a flood of endorphins, the natural compound that induces euphoria. Through that process laughter increases your joy and makes you feel more alive! If you want to increase the moral in your organization then increase the laughter.
Here is a word of caution when it comes to laughter. If you have to be dirty or cruel to be funny then do not be funny. Laughter can be damaging when used the wrong way. If want laughter to have a positive effect, then the dirty and hurtful humor must be removed.
I leave you with some encouragement from Psalm 126:1-3,
When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (NIV, emphasis added)
What are some other reasons we should laugh more?
Tommy Lanham is a 6th grade flunky and has been kicked out of Bible college. Tommy discovered the power of goal-setting, personality strategy and an enthusiasm mindset. Using these strategies, he rewired himself for success and at 44, he completed a 3-year Master’s program in 18 months with an impressive 4.0 GPA.
He’s now an award-winning speaker, personality strategist, disc golfer, guitar player, cheesy joke connoisseur, author, husband and Daddy. He speaks nationally but calls Kentucky home. He’s developed his own personality style typology test and profiler and has authored a book based on his signature 5-step goal-setting system.
These expert tools give Tommy a unique ability to help businesses, ministries, marriages and individuals identify a personality strategy, set goals to conquer challenges and create a high level of consistent enthusiasm.
Tommy’s on a mission to break the monotony of the mundane and mediocre by bringing as much enthusiasm to as many businesses, ministries, marriages and individual lives as he possibly can. Tommy oozes enthusiasm. You can’t help but to be motivated and inspired just by being in the same room! Tommy keeps your team awake AND launches them into a results-driven culture.
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