Why lockdown laughter can help people in Bristol cope

It's time for a bit of Thursday fun in Bristol as we look at some of the lighter moments we've experienced during the lockdown. A 2 Minute-read.

For most of us, lockdown is getting a little boring. But we all must keep following the Government's guidelines around social distancing and staying safe.

We've spent the past couple of days scouring the internet (we're bored too) and have found some of the lighter-hearted stuff doing the rounds.

Psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman, from the University of Hertfordshire, told the BBC that 'Laughter can help in a crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic - and people should not feel guilty about it. Finding the 'funny' in a situation is a common way of coping.

"Laughing in households while following government advice to stay at home is also good for you." he said before adding: "Don't feel guilty, it's a human thing and if it helps it's OK,"

So, with the professor's advice ringing in our ears here's some Thursday fun.

• A mother in East Sussex was lost for words when her eight-year-old daughter insisted that home school should have inset days like 'proper school' has.
• Will Reeve, a news reporter in America, was reporting live from his home. No issues there – he was wearing a smart suit jacket and shirt, but when his tripod slipped it revealed Will had done away with the need for trousers and was reporting in his pants!
• But Will's woes pale into mild embarrassment compared to the Australian worker who didn't realise his team of eight were waiting for him online to have a video conference call. He unknowingly proceeded to walk about his apartment naked in full view of his shocked colleagues. Ouch.
• How's this for comical revenge? Amelia Nash on Twitter said: "I've been waiting for ages to find the perfect time to change my Netflix password so my ex-boyfriend can't use it. It seems like lockdown has its benefits. Password changed."
• The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh which usually only holds 160 people broadcast an online stand up show which was watched by more than 100,000 people. That's no laughing matter but according to reports, the night went rip-roaringly well.

What's been making you laugh during the lockdown in Bristol? We'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for reading, stay safe, protect the NHS, save lives and keep smiling.