"Decide to watch a comedy special, listen to a funny podcast, or spend time with people who make you laugh easily and whose sense of humor aligns with yours," writes Registered Forensic Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Worcester, Dr. Gill Harrop.
Harrop adds that if you’re not sure what you find funny, you should take the time to explore a range of situations and notice what tickles you and what you want to engage with more.
“Remember, too," she says, "that laughter is a social phenomenon. Being around others makes us laugh more, so think about going to a live comedy show or arranging a night out with friends to chat and laugh."
While it helps to seek out humor, Harrop says it's equally important to find the funny in the small absurdities of our day-to-day activities.
"Like breaking the zipper on your sleeping bag while inside it and having to call for help to release you from your polyester prison, or chasing your tiny dog round the garden to retrieve the work lanyard that they’ve just run off with," writes the expert.
"Life is full of reasons to laugh," she adds. "We just need to make the effort to notice them and then actively decide to respond with fun and good humor."
