Laughing is a powerful way to release stress and heal, but it’s also great for a creativity kick-start. The positive impact laughing has on health, mindset and overall attitude is not only medically proven, but is also an actual form of yoga. While doing something as simple as laughing to crack open creativity seems almost too easy, the trick is in making sure it’s simple to weave a few giggles throughout your day, effortlessly.
A tool as expansive as the internet invalidates any and all excuses when it comes to finding something to make you laugh. Between silly animal pictures, shared personal stories, nostalgia posts and endless streams of comedy shows and YouTube videos, there is always something to get the belly laughs rolling. Why do you think viral videos catch on so fast? The common thread of laughter or surprise jolts you out of your routine and mindset, and is the perfect spark for igniting creativity.
Ramp up the Laughs to Get a Creativity Bonus
Tickling your funny bone also allows you to step outside of your tasks and rigid thinking to just let go. Laughing at unexpected, silly, unbelievable things helps us realize there is a world outside of the one racing in our mind, and that other people don’t always have it easy either. People fall down, are humiliated, forget things and screw things up, often in many of the same ways.
I think comedians are also healers. They offer a conduit for us laugh about the things that make us uncomfortable, or commiserate about the things we would never say out loud to someone else. Their creativity is in their storytelling and unique perspective, and by making us laugh, they invite us to call on our “inner creative” to do the same.
It’s why John Stewart and Stephen Colbert are such a welcome relief. Their on-air personas and comedy team do an amazing job of blending reality with humor so we can see the state of the world, while also reminding us how laughter is an invitation to release the tension and shock that comes with reality.
Without silliness and laughter life would be pretty one-dimensional. For me laughing is so much more than a release and connection, it’s a large part of my creative expression as a human being. So why not add a little more comedy into your life for a creativity kick-start that can become part of your daily life? If you already use laughter as part of your work, I would love to hear how!
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