Here is a simple question: How often do you laugh? Is it frequent, or does it happen so rarely that you can barely remember the last time? According to Psychology Today, kids laugh 300 to 400 times a day, while adults only chuckle fewer than 20 times!
The truth is that laughing is incredibly important in all types of relationships. One study showed that if a potential employee could make the interviewer chortle during the interview, he had a substantially higher chance of getting the job. Why? Because people want to work with others who are fun. The same applies to families. Below are three great reasons why laughing is essential at home, at work, and in the classroom!
Memory maker
Think of one of your favorite family memories growing up and chances are it was something that was extremely fun and funny. Guys in particular are attracted to amusing stories and even humorous commercials. When we laugh together, it creates a powerful bonding experience in relationships!
Years ago I went for lunch with one of the world’s renowned Generation Y experts. We were exchanging insights on Gen Y — I was sharing trends from North America, and he was sharing about his experiences in Europe and Asia, where he was from. During our conversation, he noted that as a speaker he has learned that the No. 1-best practice of a great motivational speaker is laughter.
The lesson: People may like your talk, but if you don’t make them giggle in the first 10 minutes, they won’t remember it. I couldn’t agree more!
Mood enhancer
When people laugh, it changes their mood. They tend to be more relaxed, easy-going, and pleasant. People no longer sweat the small stuff, tend to be less irritable, and more tolerant. This new mood is highly appealing for partners and kids!
Take this cue to the office or classroom. Just think of your favorite boss or teacher. One of my favorite teachers from my childhood was my typewriting teacher Ms. Fitzpatrick. She was strict with punctuality, so for every minute a student was late to her class, she would have that student do pushups as a consequence. One minute late equaled one minute of pushups. I think some of my fellow classmates (who happened to almost always be male) would intentionally be late to show off to all of the ninth-grade girls how many pushups they could do.
Ms. Fitzpatrick’s strict boundary not only taught her students how she wanted to run her class, but it got everyone laughing and changed the mood of this class! It’s no wonder she was popular as a teacher!
People magnet and culture shift
When you chuckle more, get ready for your family to want to spend more time with you. In fact, kids often tell me that one of the most valued attributes of their parents is when they are silly and easy-going.
In our office, I try to intentionally get our staff to laugh. I’ll tell silly stories, or mention funny things my twin 8-year-olds did or said. (There is no shortage of material in this area.) I love watching how sharing these stories changes the entire mood of our work culture.
Years ago, I saw a commercial on this (perhaps you remember it). It showcased three to four employees laughing around the water cooler. When their boss approaches, they stop and all look nervous, waiting for his response. When he joins in the jokes, they relax and continue talking. The point? People are drawn to laughter, and it can change the entire culture!
If you don’t think you are naturally funny, don’t worry! This does not mean you have to provide the humor for others or be the life of the party. Just be intentional to re-tell funny things that have happened to you, and be present when others are telling their stories.
Dr. Karyn Gordon is a regular contributor to “Good Morning America,” founder of dk Leadership, best-selling author of “Dr. Karyn’s Guide To The Teen Years” (Harper Collins), and motivational speaker. Visit her at www.dklea
