Being silly is seriously good for people. Numerous studies have shown that folks who laugh regularly are more likely to be healthy both mentally and physically. Having fun is a key way to relax while also letting our minds grow and wander. The human mind learns through experiences, so as we live moments, we learn from them.
The mind also tends to most clearly recall two types of memories: the very good and the very bad. These two extremes represent both “poles” of life and chances are good that most of the best memories a person has involve times of laughter and fun. Problems occur if our minds are repeatedly forced to deal with what we have to do, because then we lack the opportunity to rest, have down time, and let our cognition flow freely. All work and no play makes us more than dull, it makes us unhealthy.
Truly enjoying ourselves requires engaging in activities that we want to do and that somehow enhance our feelings about life. If we lack these chances, we are in danger of burnout, frustration, and other issues that can lead to long-term mental, behavioral, and even medical problems (high blood pressure, ulcers, and numerous other physical ailments have been proven to be directly linked to stress).
Granted, today’s quality of life is much better than it once was. Into the 20th century, children were expected to work long hours and little emphasis was put on having fun. More recently, often ridiculous and needlessly demanding school curriculums have cut into kid’s ability to experience down time to play and experience the world without tests or assignments.
We all must understand responsibility, but good, old-fashioned fun does the trick. Think about it, when kids play tag or hide-and-seek, don’t they understand and follow the rules? Don’t they all own up to their responsibilities as either “it” or “not it?” Hence, when children play with others they are subsequently learning about teamwork, social roles, and following regulations in order to make the game more fun — the same way as following laws in adult life usually makes society run smoother and therefore more pleasant to live in.
Fun is something that frequently occurs in groups. Being able to enjoy the company of others is generally what makes an individual a desirable friend. Being socially acceptable is a want nearly everyone has as it is hardwired into our “safety in numbers” instinct. However, there might be more to this than simple mental longing and high-social-stance yearning.
According to studies done by National Geographic, animals who have strong social ties generally have better chances of survival. This is especially true in primates, which are the animals that have DNA closest to humans. If human beings are mammals like primates, it is safe to assume that those of us with stronger social ties tend to fare better overall. Medical data has actually proven that people with strong family ties are less likely to succumb to illness than those who do not. Considering this, there is indeed truth to the “laughter is the best medicine” phrase.
We know that laughter is good for adults and even better for children’s growing minds, yet we live in a culture that has started to look down on having fun. In recent years, this trend has become more mainstream; a disturbing consideration. There are documentaries about parents who treat preschool applications as if they are paperwork into doctorate programs. Worse, the rigorous academic work that the children forced into these programs are faced with heighten the chances of frustration, failure, and burnout — possibly turning the child off of education before he has even entered grammar school. Without the basic joyful experiences of childhood — like being silly — to fall back on, children run a higher risk of turning into angry adults who have difficulty connecting with others.
Balance is important in every aspect of life. It is important to learn and be responsible, but not at the expense of something as integral and critical as laughter, fun, and — yes — silliness. Some programs that deal in the genre of education-entertainment, such as “Sesame Street,” acknowledge this balance and have managed to blend learning and having fun together. Many professionals believe that this is the smartest trend in education, which should be applied to age groups outside of preschool.
Throughout our lives, we tend to collect the best memories and have time to reflect when we are relaxed. Laughter and fun eases tension, which makes us feel freer and subsequently allows us to more readily connect with others. People have formed lasting bonds based on mutual love of television programs, movies, books, and games. Laughter and silliness are essential to being both well rounded and relatable to others. For these reasons, as well as for the simple joy of it, we should all strive to embrace our lighter sides.
Meagan Meehan is a published author of poems, short stories, novels, and articles in numerous publications. She is also a cartoonist and an award-winning modern artist. Meehan holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from New York Institute of Technology and a Masters of Communication from Marist College.
