You've got to laugh

Liverpool comedian Chris McCausland became a national treasure when he swapped punchlines for paso dobles in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. But pundits credited his success as much to his dry humour as his ability to dance despite being totally blind. We look at the power of laughter – no sequins required.

Chris McCausland’s opening gambit, “I don’t dance, I haven’t danced, I can’t dance, I can’t see the dancing I will have to do. What can possibly go wrong?” had the nation laughing with him.

British Heart Foundation research says laughter in the face of adversity is good for you. Endorphins – feel good hormones – reduce stress. A hearty chuckle lowers blood pressure while a giggle boosts your immune system – laughter can even burn calories!

But how easy is it to crack a genuine smile? Sheldon Rodrigues, Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner for Talking Therapies, says the key is finding the joy in life.

“It’s important that a smile isn’t masking how we really feel – it’s got to be meaningful. During times of hardship or loss it’s hard to smile. But our thoughts, feelings and behaviour are all connected and we can change how we feel. By making time for ourselves and doing things we enjoy, we will start to feel happier and laugh more.

“Start by working out what makes you feel happy and make a point of adding it back into your life. You’ll reap the benefits.”

Chris’s Climb

Chris McCausland never planned on becoming a comedian until sight loss forced him to give up his job as a web designer. As the world got more blurred, he struggled to cope. "I was very self conscious. I hated using a white stick. I was very slow coming to terms with it.

Unemployed and ‘a little bit depressed’, he dared himself to do an online course in comedy and an open mic set. He’s since appeared on TV and radio – now he’s earned his dancing stripes and a place in the nation’s heart.

Let the laughter in

• University of Derby research used ‘laughies’ (recordings of someone’s own laughter) to make participants laugh. Three minutes was enough to induce good vibes.

• Funny videos on social media or TV comedy shows are a surefire way of inducing a chuckle.

Did you know?

A child laughs 300 times a day on average, adults laugh just four times.