The Benefits of Laughter

Breaking Bread Podcast

Laughter is relational, healing and necessary. In this episode of Breaking Bread ACCFS clinicians Ted Witzig Jr., Brian Sutter, Kathy Knochel and Kaleb Beyer enjoy a light moment together. But don’t underestimate the weighty benefits such moments bring to our mental health.

Show notes:

There are many matters that concern us: struggle, hurt, loss and sorrow abound. Yet, even among these, humor exists. Sometimes laughter springs from surprising places acting as a grace from our heavenly Father who no doubt loves to see his children laugh.

What is laughter?

• Laughter is the physical response to the emotional and cognitive experience of humor, happiness and mirth.
• Laughter is to happiness as crying is to sadness.
• Laughter is a common expression of amusement shared by all humanity.

What are the elements that give rise to laughter?

• Humor often plays on surprise. From peak-a-boo with an infant to clever twists in a “punch line”, the element of surprise startles and pleases.
• Humor often plays on a truth - truth exaggerated or told from a new vantage point often entertains and amuses.

What are the benefits of laughing?

• Laughter grounds a person in the moment. Amusement happens in the present, opening a person’s senses to live in the now.
• Laughter is relational. Sharing amusement with others makes the experience better. Laughter draws people into its participation. People welcome laughter.
• Healthy humanity employs the spectrum of emotions. Just as sadness has its purpose and benefits, so does mirth.
• Laughter can increase our capacity to cope with the brokenness we experience in life. Laughter does not make light of sadness. Rather, it assists us in holding it.

How can I learn to laugh?

• Learn to laugh at myself. Often, I take myself too seriously.
• Learn my place. I can over approximate my role and reach of effect. I need to remember that God is in control.
• Learn to live. God created me to enjoy his good creation.