Joyful Videos to Make us Smile and Laugh

 

Have you ever sat before your computer screen, transfixed by the videos? You suddenly realize that your jaw is aching from grinning from ear to ear. Happiness and pure delight fill your heart, your stress forgotten, a transient but much-needed respite from the worries of this world.

The news is depressing nowadays. During these trying times, when people forget how to be humane and kind, and political strife reigns supreme, I need diversion and distraction. It may last only a few minutes or hours, but I gladly welcome any opportunity to de-stress.

Laughter is healing. A 2023 meta-analysis reported that a single session of watching joyful videos reduces the stress hormone cortisol and releases the feel-good chemicals endorphins. A La Loma University study found that laughing is healthy, as it “strengthens the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and activating immune cells, making it an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.”

So, join me and let us laugh and smile together.

 

“You're the One that I Want” by Bobby Glorioso and Antwaan Taylor.                             Just two friends having fun at work. 

 

Victor Borge, comedian and pianist, the “Clown Prince of Denmark”. When life was simpler, the humor was cleaner, and no politician dictated your comedy routine.

Rowan Atkinson, the British comedian par excellence, is on another level. I will watch Mr. Bean anytime. Alas, he was never knighted, but he received the "Commander of the British Empire" award for his services to drama and charity.

TikToker @dfaguimba shares videos of himself dancing with random people on the street, coaxing them to release their inhibitions and dance with him, or simply giving them a hug. He uses the hashtag “Human is Human” in his videos.

Umaru Dante, also known as Ngobi Umaru, spreads smiles and happiness. He is a dance artist, choreographer, and entertainer from Kampala, Uganda. Who can resist his infectious smile?

 

 Ken Lee, remember that very familiar song? I love her conviction. Such chutzpah!

 

Kids being kids, enjoying life to the fullest, cute and carefree. May they keep their "joie de vivre" even in their adult lives.

Sometimes, children don't have filters, and they just surprise us with their honest revelations. To this day, we still don't know who or what the boy did to cause her ire. 

Mic drop!

Ellie and Emma

Kevin Bubolz realized the positive impact of dogs while deployed as a US Army helicopter pilot. He brings Ellie and Emma, two golden retrievers, to "spread smiles" in their visits as therapy dogs in schools, hospitals, and military bases.

 

 

 Baby laughing

Ed People (real name, Edouard Jaqmin) from Belgium asks strangers to dance with him. It would be fun to meet him on the street; I may be persuaded to bust a move, even if I have no rhythm.  Maybe I can teach him how to dance "Tinikling"? Oh no, that's too hard for my aching knees and hips. Maybe "Pandango sa Ilaw" or "Itik-itik"?

 

In 2014, the staff at Elmhurst Hospital filmed their version of Pharrell’s “Happy” song. So many familiar faces. I wish I were there.  

P.S. I am remiss for not mentioning the super-group BTS from South Korea. I am an ardent Army (name for BTS fans), and I have spent countless hours watching their versatile and entertaining discography, as well as their hilarious variety show videos- RUN BTS and RUN-Seokjin. I smile, I laugh, and for some precious hours, I forget that there's a world out there worth escaping from.

My Happy Pictures: Mood-lifters

 

Yesterday, I should have been happy to have a day off from work. But the gloomy scene outside my kitchen window was not a great mood-lifter. The hard rain was beating a staccato rhythm against the window pane, the morning skies were cloudy, and the yellow leaves from my backyard tree were valiantly holding off to dear life.

I turned my back from the melancholy and checked my pictures on my phone from my recent hike in Alley Pond Park, where I basked in all of Autumn’s glorious riot of colors. The vibrant red, yellow, and orange foliage filled my heart. I was transported back to those magical moments where the only sounds I heard were the leaves crunching under my feet, the chirping of the birds, the susurration of a brook, and the soft camera clicks from my niece. I was happy.

On my recent trip to Los Cabos, Mexico, I was one of the instructors for the Wellness Conference organized by the 1199 Union organization for their RN members. I taught about finding joy in our personal and professional lives to fight nurse burnout. As the world rises out of the chokehold of the pandemic, healthcare workers are still struggling with the nursing shortage and other hospital inefficiencies. 

There are many problems in life, and in healthcare, that may be beyond our control. There are also many ways to cope. Sometimes, the nurses are so consumed with taking care of others that they forget to care for themselves. To continue caring for others, I urged the nurses to love themselves first. Be mindful of self-care and mental health, and actively seek and find joy. Embrace your joy triggers,

I showed photos that make me happy. Pictures are excellent memory prompts to reminisce about happy occasions and serve as our emotional bubble against the troubles of this world. Numerous research has shown the connection between pictures of beloved family members, pets, beautiful scenery, vacations, and the reduction of cortisol and adrenaline hormones. Of course, nothing beats the real thing of feeling the Boracay breeze on your skin, but the picture of pedicured toes on the white sands brings on happy memories.

According to a 2021 Environmental Research and Public Health article, even looking at pictures of nature can calm the brain's orbitofrontal cortex, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. I surreptitiously checked the audience's reaction when I shared my happy photos with the class. The audience reacted as I expected. They ooh’d and aah’d and smiled at the stunning images of nature, cherry blossoms, a beautiful bench in Home Goods, coconut trees and flip-flops, rainbows, and lavender fields. 

Happy Kids/Young Ones

Sunrise and Sunsets

Beaches

Fall Foliage

BTS

During the class, I could not help but fangirl. When my favorite band BTS flashed on the screen, a few looked confused (they must be living in a rock if they don’t know the biggest musical group in the world), but several squealed in delight. Of course, I went to my fellow Army and high-fived them.

So, yes, pictures can heal the mind and spirit. They are instant mood-lifters during a gloomy, rainy day. Post pictures in your office, save them to your phones, or buy those digital photo frames to enjoy those reminders that life is wonderful.

"Happy"- Pharell Williams

The Astronaut- Jin of BTS, featuring Coldplay

References:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-happiness-project/201301/7-reasons-why-photographs-can-boost-your-happiness

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/happiness/selection-of-happiness-images-and-why-they-make-you-feel-good/