A day without laughter is a day wasted
Monday, 22 October 2012
Have you ever noticed how young children always seem to have a smile on their face and can burst into giggles for no reason?
That’s because we’re programmed to laugh all the time. It’s just that between the bad weather, the state of the economy and the occasional broken heart, we forget to laugh and enjoy. We only seem to laugh on special occasions.
That’s according to new research commissioned by Jackpotjoy.com, one of the best bingo sites online, which says that adults in the UK laugh on average only 7.2 times a day, while psychologists recommend that we laugh at least 15 times a day to stave off gloom and maintain a cheerful outlook on life.
Pre-school children by contrast laugh between 300-400 times in a single day. Yet, by the time they get through school, exams, first loves and arguments with parents, you can guarantee they will be laughing a lot less.
There might be a long list of things which steal the laughter from our lives but perhaps, like young children, the reasons don’t need to be that great. We can laugh simply if we fall off a chair, make a silly face or tell a childish joke. Lower your laughter expectations and you’ll laugh a lot more.
You’ll reap the rewards, as laughter is proven to be good for your health. Doctors say people who laugh a lot are much less prone to depression and have stronger immune systems. They are also likely to have a wider social circle of friends and better relationships with both romantic and professional work partners.
You could also gain a monetary reward as well because Jackpotjoy has set up a fund which people can apply to for a laughter grant. The entertainment company was so alarmed by the shocking statistics about how seldom we laugh that it has pledged £250,000 to spend on silly stunts and activities which will cheer the nation up.
To apply for a laughter grant, you only need to post on Jackpotjoy’s Facebook or Twitter pages your idea, or better still post a photograph of you engaged in the silly prank. Perhaps you’re dressing up in a horse costume and cantering around the neighbourhood or you might be taking a photograph of your partner’s silly expression while they sleep. If the latter, make sure you get permission before you post it online or your laughter could turn to tears when he or she gets rid of you!
Whatever it is, your stunt must be 100% whimsical and utterly pointless. Serious ideas will be automatically disqualified! If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look at the new Jackpotjoy TV adverts, either on TV or on YouTube.
The first advert features Queen of Bingo, Barbara Windsor, as she marshals a F1 style race between two pensioners on mobility scooters. In the second, Windsor plays a production manager who smiles constantly as a professional cellist attempts to have his music heard while he plays alongside a joker with a musical instrument made out of plastic toys.
Whatever will you do – Just for the Jackpotjoy of It?
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