Have you ever noticed how children laugh effortlessly and often, while adults seem to laugh less and less as the years go by?
Somewhere along the way, life’s responsibilities, challenges, and routines take over, and that carefree sense of humor starts to fade.
But here’s the thing—laughter isn’t just about fun. It’s also a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving relationships, and boosting mental and physical health. When we laugh less, we miss out on all these benefits, often without even realizing it.
In this post, we’ll explore five habits that many people unknowingly adopt as they age—habits that can dim their sense of humor and make laughter a rare occurrence.
Recognizing these habits is the first step to bringing more joy and laughter back into your life.
1) They stop making time for fun
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget to make time for fun. I’ve personally fallen into this habit myself.
A couple of years back, I realized my days were consumed by work, chores, and responsibilities. I was ticking off tasks from my to-do list but at the end of the day, I felt something was missing. There was a void, a lack of joy.
Upon reflection, I noticed that I hadn’t laughed wholeheartedly in a while. I was so engrossed in my ‘adult’ life that I had forgotten to make time for fun.
I decided to change that. I started setting aside time to do things that made me laugh – watching comedies, catching up with old friends, and even joining a local improv group.
Slowly but surely, laughter started seeping back into my life.
Sharing this personal example, I hope to inspire you to take a look at your own life. Perhaps it’s time to schedule some fun!
2) They stop surrounding themselves with jovial people
This is a big one.
As we get older, our social circles change. Often, we start prioritizing professional contacts, serious conversations, and networking over spending time with friends who truly make us feel joyful.
Without even realizing it, we may begin to distance ourselves from those who encourage us to let loose and enjoy a good laugh. Instead, we find ourselves surrounded by people who are more likely to discuss serious matters than share a funny anecdote.
This change in social interaction can significantly impact the amount of laughter in our lives. Laughter is contagious, after all. If we’re not around people who inspire us to laugh, we’re less likely to do so ourselves.
3) They overlook the power of exercise
Okay, I know this one might sound oddly specific on a list about laughter, but trust me, it deserves its place.
Study after study shows a clear link between physical activity and mood.
Exercise releases endorphins—those feel-good chemicals that reduce stress and promote happiness. Regular movement also improves your overall energy levels, helping you approach life with a lighter, more positive perspective.
But here’s the kicker: exercise can also bring joy in unexpected ways. Whether it’s the camaraderie of a group fitness class, the sense of accomplishment from finishing a run, or the pure fun of dancing like no one’s watching, physical activity can create moments of spontaneous laughter.
When we skip exercise, we miss out on these mood-boosting benefits. So, the next time you’re feeling a little too serious, consider lacing up your sneakers. Who knows? You might end up laughing all the way to the finish line.
4) They let stress dominate their lives
I probably don’t need to tell you that life can get stressful.
Work, family, health, finances – there’s always something that seems to demand our attention and drain our energy. I know this all too well.
A while back, I was caught in a whirlwind of deadlines and commitments. The stress was overwhelming. My life felt like a never-ending cycle of tasks and to-do lists, with no room for laughter or joy.
That’s when I decided to take a step back. I started practicing mindfulness, focusing on the present moment instead of constantly worrying about the future. This shift in perspective helped me manage my stress levels and find humor in everyday situations again.
It wasn’t an overnight change, but gradually, laughter started returning to my life. The stress didn’t disappear, but I learned to handle it better and not let it overshadow the lighter moments.
It’s essential to find balance in life. Don’t let stress consume you to the point where you forget to laugh.
5) They neglect self-care
In the midst of our busy lives, self-care often falls by the wayside. We forget that taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being is crucial to maintaining a sense of humor.
However, as noted by experts like those at Psych Central, neglecting self-care can lead to low energy, feeling hopeless, and even worsening mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety. Hardly conducive to laughter, right?
On the other hand, when we feel good about ourselves, we’re more likely to see the lighter side of life and enjoy a good laugh.
Whether it’s getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising regularly, or simply taking time for things you love, self-care can dramatically impact your ability to laugh and find joy in everyday life.
Final thought: It’s all about perspective
Laughter is one of life’s simplest joys, yet as we get older, it often takes a backseat to stress, responsibilities, and routines.
The habits outlined in this post show how easy it can be to lose touch with that carefree sense of humor we once had—but they also highlight how simple changes can bring it back.
Whether it’s making time for fun, surrounding yourself with joyful people, prioritizing self-care, or even just lacing up your sneakers for a quick walk, these small shifts can make a world of difference.
Laughter isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about living well.
So, take a moment to reflect on your own habits. Are any of these holding you back from laughing as much as you’d like?
