Never, ever be scared of laughing – both in person and at yourself. We’re sometimes discouraged to laugh – it can be seen as a negative or slightly inappropriate – but to me, laughing is such a positive emotion, and it’s a really important one. Don’t be embarrassed to laugh at yourself. We work in an industry where laughing is an incredible form of currency, but one that we don’t always share.
Whether it’s your team, your friends or your family, laugh as much as you possibly can. As children, there are emotions that are really important for us to share, but we are programmed from a young age not to – for instance, screaming. If it’s how you’re feeling – be it screaming or laughing till your cry – then express it, whatever it may be. It’s so important to get other people laughing too. I love laughing with the team and showing them that everything isn’t serious; laughing about little things that happen during the day can create such strong links and draw people in.
If you have funny memories from the past, I’d urge you to share those stories – sharing is caring! I find that it can be a great bonding experience when you share things that have happened to you, especially if it shows a bit of vulnerability. One of my favourite funny stories is when I was doing one of my first ever shows in Germany. Not only did I fall over, but I cut my finger so bad that I couldn’t use a plaster and I was actually dripping blood onto the model’s white hair. Carolyn Newman, who was there with me, properly fell over laughing! Awful at the time, but funny now. Making other people laugh is brilliant and it’s contagious.
Get back to reading! There’s something wonderful about sitting on a train and laughing out loud. Laughing at a book is becoming a long-lost art, but honestly, it’s so worth it. I used to try and hide my laugher when I sat on the train on the way home, but now when I start to see other people laughing, I just get that contagious element and join in! There’s something about reading something funny – even if you’ve read it before – that just can’t be beaten. Don’t be ashamed, and never feel guilty about laughing. Uncontrollable laughter is the best kind.
Whether it’s something on social media or a podcast that’s made you howl, send something that will make someone smile and share the laughter! It can be irreverent; it can be silly. I love people falling over, I also love animals doing funny things and I’m not ashamed – mainly because I don’t mind if I fall over and somebody laughs at me! What makes you laugh won’t necessarily make other people laugh, but that’s absolutely fine. Whenever I post funny things, I get way more engagement than my other posts, I think because they have the ability to make someone smile. Think about what it is that makes you laugh, then seek it out and pass it on to give your mood a boost and maybe brighten up someone else’s day too.
Don’t take life too seriously! One of my sayings is, ‘I take my work seriously, but do I take myself seriously? No.’ I hope that when people think about me, they always think about somebody who’s laughing. Bad things happen in life, but if you have the ability to laugh off the small stuff, it really helps. Emotions are complicated. Sometimes you just feel like you have this need to laugh, and instantly you start crying because you’ve triggered an emotion that feels the same. Define your emotions, and don’t be scared of feeling them. As long as you understand your emotions, you can usually find a route to managing them better.
Laugh with people, but don’t laugh at them. Sharing a laugh is such a wonderful feeling and the best kind of head care. For such a long time, I did not think I was allowed to laugh at stuff, and when you do, you just see the joy that it brings. Release your urge to laugh and let other people know they can feel it and join in too. Finding those moments of respite is so good for the soul and there is nothing – NOTHING – nicer than belly laughing. It’s an emotion that brings us so much joy.
Each issue, I will be sharing my own personal happiness hacks and mood-boosting mindful tricks that help me. Click here for the perfect pick-me-up playlist. I hope you like it!
Join the conversation with Adam on social media at Adam Reed Mind Your Business: #ARMYB
If you are struggling with your mental health, please start a conversation with someone you trust or seek professional advice. Knowing that there are places to talk is key. MIND is an incredible place for help and support. They have some excellent resources on their website , plus an infoline and a number you can call for emergency advice.
