Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer
Growing up, my parents would always make sure I understood the importance of happiness and laughter. The saying “Laughter is the best medicine” was probably one of the most relatable things out there.
The funny thing about laughter (no pun intended) is the fact that there are different levels. Chuckling versus belly laughing, for example, or even wheezing. I know for a fact that I’ve experienced all three, just like everyone else has. But people laugh at different things. Not everyone has the same sense of humour, but the commonality here is the laughter itself. Laughter is not a language being spoken, but a sound used in every single dialect. Everyone understands what laughter is. It’s almost like a universal practice, since it happens on a daily basis in every part of the world.
My parents taught me that laughter is seen and heard everywhere, and that it’ll never cease to exist. We laugh when things are funny, yes, but we sometimes laugh when we’re nervous, embarrassed or uncomfortable too. They are completely different forms of laughter, I get that, but it’s not of unknown origin. I have to be honest, I sometimes laugh when I’m not supposed to. But more often than not . . . no harm, no foul.
Our brains release “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and endorphins when we laugh. It’s been scientifically proven that laughter is good for our mental and physical health, and it also helps our social and behavioural patterns. Laughter’s a powerhouse. According to the Mayo Clinic, it enhances our intake of oxygen-rich air and stimulates our hearts, lungs and muscles. It also activates and relieves our stress response . . . cortisol’s known as the “stress hormone.” It can help lessen anxiety and depression as well, which is incredibly beneficial. So many people struggle to find happiness, but something as simple as laughing can sometimes shift a person’s focus or energy, even if it’s short-lived.
I feel that zero laughter is basically the equivalent of zero sun. There needs to be a balance of day and night, light and dark, even happy and sad. Without day, there is no night. Without laughter, there is no happiness. I always saw my mom and dad picking on each other, laughing together, driving each other nuts and doing it all over again. Why? Again, you need that balance. My parents would always act silly and tell my brother and I jokes or funny stories—but they also taught us invaluable lessons that helped us grow to become the people we are today. I was very fortunate to be in a household with loving parents who taught us the importance of prioritizing the things that make us happy. I couldn’t imagine being in a household where there was never an opportunity to play board games, watch movies, go for drives, try new things, etc . . . all while smiling and laughing through it all. Why? Because happiness and laughter brings people together, so there’s a social aspect. Why else? Because happiness and laughter are often contagious. People see and feel that. It’s sometimes hard not to smile or laugh when you see it around you, and when others want you to be part of it. It shifts your mood, so there’s a behavioural aspect.
It’s completely okay to have a bad day, but it’s so refreshing to have a good day. Some people might feel weird, sick, under a lot of stress or pressure, etc . . . but those are the days where they might need some cheering up more than any other day. It’s really nice when people try to lift you up when you’re down, but it’s even more special when those same people are able to keep you afloat and show you just how powerful laughter can really be. A person’s presence can be a beacon of light—the beacon of light that you need.
Why are things so much funnier when we’re tired or at ungodly hours of the day? I never understood that and I even asked my parents that a million times over. It’s this weird phenomenon, but everyone has experienced it.
DAD JOKES AND PUNS. These have to be the most idiotic thing in the world of humour, but they’re genius. It’s often because they’re sooo bad and cringey that they somehow become hilarious. Especially when two people are looking at each other, dumbfounded and giving their heads a shake. I don’t know what it is, but we’ve all done it. We’ve all felt second-hand embarrassment because of someone’s father at a BBQ throwing around puns and jokes that lead absolutely nowhere. And yet, people love it. My father loved a good dad joke. Those were part of his daily ritual. And my mom would try hard not to laugh, but it was nearly impossible. She’d crack jokes here and there too, but when my mom starts to laugh, she can’t stop, and neither can we. My dad would look at her and shake his head because he knew that he’d influenced her at some point. My mom, fiancé, brother and sister-in-law all partake in the dad joke movement now, because we can’t not do that, right?! Plus, we’re keeping my dad alive in spirit.
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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.