Friday Fun on Purpose: Laughter

Fun isn’t frivolous — it’s a form of self-care. Play, laughter, and creativity help our minds and bodies recover from stress. Laughter is more than just a reaction — it’s a release, a reset, a way our bodies remind us that lightness is still possible, even in hard times. Sometimes when we’re under stress, laughter feels far away, but we can gently invite it back.

Today, give yourself permission to seek out a smile, a chuckle, or even a full-belly laugh — no matter how small.

Ideas to spark laughter:

• Watch a funny video or a favorite comedy clip that always gets you.

• Read a comic strip, a humorous book, or silly children’s jokes.

• Spend time with someone who makes you laugh easily.

• Play a silly game — charades, Mad Libs, Pictionary — even over text!

• Look up “wholesome memes” or “animals doing funny things” online.

• Allow yourself to laugh at something ridiculous or absurd today — even if it’s just how seriously we sometimes take ourselves.

• Re-watch a scene from a favorite sitcom, movie, or show that made you laugh out loud before.

• Try a “bad joke battle” — see who can tell the worst (most groan-worthy) joke and still keep a straight face.

• Listen to a lighthearted podcast or stand-up comedy routine that lifts your mood.

• Try to draw an animal — with your eyes closed. Share it (or don’t) but let yourself giggle at the result.

• Watch “fail” videos of cats knocking things over (sometimes pure slapstick is surprisingly healing!).

• Read “funny autocorrect fails” or “funniest wrong number texts” online.

• Tell yourself a joke out loud — hearing your own voice say something silly can shift your mood.

• Find an old yearbook or family photo album and laugh (kindly) at fashion choices, haircuts, or awkward poses.

• Write a short, ridiculous story — one that makes no sense — and allow yourself to enjoy how nonsensical it is.

• Play a goofy filter game on your phone (some have funny faces or voice changers).

• Have a contest with a friend or family member: who can make the silliest doodle in under 30 seconds?

• Try watching a silent video (like a cooking demo) and narrate it out loud with the most dramatic or ridiculous commentary you can think of.

• Remember a time you laughed uncontrollably — even just picturing it can bring a fresh smile.

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