Typical summer Sunday. “Let’s do something fun,” says half the family, when the other half secretly wishes all the plans will fall flat. But this past Sunday, Fun Half overpowered and we packed into the car, all geared up for BikeRiding Trip. In full disclosure, I was not consciously ‘putting the brakes’ on this idea, but secretly petrified as I have not been on a bike in probably… 30 years? Is that an exaggeration? I don’t even think so!
When we got there, they said that there were no bikes to be rented, and within 30 seconds I was on my way back to the car doing an internal happy dance, and an external sad face, when one of the kids called out saying that a biking group had returned early and we were good to go. Yikes.
So we all got on our bikes (and sweaty helmets from the people before us 🤢) and I began to pedal! As we started riding on this pretty trail in Hurleyville, all I can think of is wow! I can still ride a bike!! It was like the saying actually goes “it was like riding a bike” 😂!
A huge shout out to my muscle memory!!
As we rode down the path, I was flooded with childhood memories: Riding my bike down Riverside Drive in NYC. Still petrified of dogs that came upon the path, but this time it was my children cheering me on and not my parents. Surreal feeling.
Highly recommended.
Of the many things I enjoyed, was watching all different people, families of all shapes and sizes enjoying Sunday afternoon together. When I passed one particular interaction - I saw a family laughing - it made me ponder about Laughter in general and what is it? I mean literally, what is laughter? What’s the science behind laughter? And why is it so important for our mental health?
Of course I wondered if they were laughing at me and my dorky looking helmet, but then I reminded myself that I’m not really six anymore, and even if they were — who cares! 🎉
Everyone has a different laugh. And if you think about it for a second, Laughing in general is mamash a funny thing! The punchline of a joke hits you and it comes with a funny, tickly feeling… and all of a sudden,you’re overcome by the urge to yell out funny noises with huge smiles on our faces breathing very loud, often with a head tilting backwards?
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Laughter is funny!!
When we start laughing, our body goes into full-on happiness mode! 🎉It's like a mini party happening inside us. First, our brain sends signals to our muscles, telling them to get ready for action. That's when our face muscles, vocal cords, and diaphragm all team up to create those awesome sounds we call laughter.
Now, here comes the fun part – the sounds we make while laughing vary from person to person! There are totally Laughing Stereotypes: Some of us have contagious belly laughs that make everyone around us join in on the fun. Others have cute little chuckles that bring smiles to everyone's faces. And guess what? There are even those who laugh so loud like a scream that gets the whole gang going and then the ones who actually cry of laughter…
Laughter is contagious. Ever have a laugh attack? A laugh attack is our body releasing tons of endorphins at once, which are “feel good chemicals” into our bodies, which induces a feeling of pleasure and a sense of well-being. Endorphins are natural pain killers and mood enhancers, which is why laughter is actually super important to our mental health! And the reason why laughing is so catchy, is because when we hear someone else laughing, our brain’s social radar goes into action. It’s like a built-in detector that helps us connect with others emotionally. Since we are wired to be social creatures, we have these “mirror neurons” that play a huge role in contagious laughter, that the laughter travels from person to person.
Laughing creates a sense of bonding. Like “We’re all on this happy wavelength together - our connection is strong - and that’s what makes us feel closer to each other!”
Ever watch a baby laugh? Ever watch adults watching a baby laugh? That’s even funnier. I always wonder what the babies are actually laughing at! Humor begins to develop in newborns so get those babies laughing! Babies begin laughing around the three month mark and when parents and babies share in the laugh together - that is creating a sense of secure attachment, a sense of connection.
So let’s bring on Summer Fun. Laugh away! Teach your children the importance of laughter. And when you really want to laugh - you can analyze everyone’s laugh. That’s always funny.
And if you happen to pass a grown woman on a bike trail, wearing a smelly, funny looking helmet and running away from a dog, but trying to be all cool-mom about it— it’s ok to laugh!
I give you full permission.
🥰, Shifi
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