Sean Harper of the Just for Fun Holiday Club shares the things that make him laugh

May 1st was World Laughter Day and today Sean Harper, from the Just for Fun Holiday Club, is sharing with us what makes him laugh at home and at work.

The Just for Fun Holiday Club is based in Swindon and provides affordable childcare for children during the school holidays between the ages of 4-13 years. With a huge range of activities to participate in, the children never have an opportunity to get bored.

What makes me laugh? Great question. 

There is so much that makes me laugh day to day. My 4-year-old child, using the lines that me and her mother use with her, gets me every time. It's not always used in context which makes it even funnier. She is a mini me and I see this more and more with how she acts around the house. 

In terms of TV I love Only Fools and Horses. There is not an episode that I don’t know the words to. The characters are so believable and likeable that it's hard not to find their antics funny. Of course, this is a cliché answer as the programme is a national treasure. This does mean however you can share many funny moments with others who also have seen the clips. 

I have to laugh at myself as well as I do think I’m the funniest comedian never to make it. Laughing at yourself I find makes you less vulnerable as I can laugh at my insecurities and mistakes and not dwell on it for a long period. If I trip and I’m out with my daughter she will say ‘where’s my postcard’. This cracks me up as I get her with this all the time. It straight away takes the embarrassment away that you very nearly made yourself look silly by falling over. 

I work in a school and below are 3 tips I give my students that I encounter daily. 

1. Deal with stress 

Stress can be a major impediment to humour and laughter, so it's important to keep your stress levels in check. One great technique to relieve stress in the moment is to draw upon a favourite memory that always makes you smile—something your kids did, for example, or something funny a friend told you.

2. Laugh at yourself

Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take yourself less seriously is to talk about times when you took yourself too seriously.

3. Don't dwell on the negative

Try to avoid negative people and don't dwell on news stories, entertainment, or conversations that make you sad or unhappy. Many things in life are beyond your control—particularly the behaviour of other people. While you might view carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders as admirable, in the long run it's unrealistic and unhealthy.

And my bonus tip is to remember that laughter makes you feel good. And this positive feeling remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humour helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.

To learn more about Sean Harper and the Just for Fun Holiday Club visit https://justforfunholidayclub.co.uk/