by James Cannon, LMSW
It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine, but I think it goes deeper than that. When we laugh and express ourselves in a playful way with others, we are being vulnerable and releasing a part of ourselves that can sometimes be overshadowed by the day-to-day stresses of life.
Last week, one of my clients (we’ll call her “Jane”) shared a silly rhyme from her childhood that I hadn’t heard before. I couldn’t tell you what it was because I don’t remember it, but in that moment it made me smile and chuckle. This exchange happened as we discussed health, finances, and other serious topics — all the areas of life we work through together, and where I help connect her with resources as Jane’s social worker.
That day, Jane smiled as she told me how much she looks forward to making people in her life laugh whenever she gets the chance. Like many CJFS clients, life for Jane can be challenging and filled with unique frustrations and disappointments. As long as I have been working with her, she has shared not only the difficult parts of her life, but also funny rhymes, poems, and memories from her upbringing that bring joy to her and her family.
On days when I have assisted with our CARES Respite program for adults with dementia, I have noticed what a powerful connector playfulness can be. At CARES, there is no shortage of joy and laughter. On any given day, participants and volunteers laugh together as they play balloon volleyball, answer trivia questions, or create artwork.
As a society, we tend to think of play as something just for children. It’s easy to lose that sense of playfulness as time and the demands of life push us into what can feel like “survival mode.” The truth is that laughter and playfulness can be just as important for adults — they can even be therapeutic. Research indicates that laughter may provide physical health benefits by easing pain, lowering cortisol (the “stress hormone”), and potentially supporting our immune systems over time.
Last week, I had the unique opportunity to attend a brief improv class. As I looked around the room at other adults participating in the exercises — most of whom had never done anything like it before — I saw excitement, but also some hesitation. It is a vulnerable thing to be playful and laugh at yourself in a situation like that.
As we all took part in the class, I noticed how quickly we became open with one another (one of the main rules in improv is to always respond with “yes, and” to others’ ideas). We became comfortable being ridiculous together and expressing parts of ourselves we do not ordinarily share. I left that experience wanting to carry some of that energy with me moving forward.
Life has no shortage of hardship and pain, but I would encourage you to be a little like Jane and find joy, playfulness, and laughter wherever you can. You may be surprised by what it can do for you and the people around you.
If you or a loved one need help navigating life’s transitions, CJFS is here to help. Call us at 205-879-3438 or visit cjfsbham.org to learn more about how we can support you on your journey.
