How to Stop Laughing at Inappropriate Times

Quick distraction techniques
Pinch yourself. A slight pain can help divert your attention.
Count down from 100. Shifting focus to something neutral, like counting numbers, can soothe your emotions.
Mentally create a list. List food items, things to do, vacation spots, or favorite movies – pick a simple topic and start listing. This will help you regain control.
Look for a particular color in the room. Choose any color and try to find as many instances of that color as possible. This small task will redirect your focus and emotions.
Humming a song. Hum a simple song, like the ABCs! Singing along to a tune is a great way to take your mind off emotions and laughter.

• Reflect on the timing, place, situation, and people that might trigger your laughter. These factors are known as triggers. Once you identify them, you can begin managing your laughter habits.

• For instance, you may laugh because of anxiety during business meetings. In this case, clicking a pen instead of laughing might help.
• If you tend to laugh during serious moments, take a deep breath and exhale when you usually laugh.

• Tell yourself, “Next time I feel awkward in a meeting, I will click my pen,” or “When I’m at a funeral, I will nod when people express condolences.”

Managing Social Anxiety Disorder
Create a list of frightening situations. Reflect on the things that trigger your anxiety and identify actions you can take to cope. Next, gather the courage to experiment. Take small steps with the support of someone you trust.
Record your successful social interactions. Focus on the positive experiences you've had, how you've overcome your fears, and the sense of accomplishment afterward.
Identify the negative thoughts holding you back. You might often try to predict the future, fearing the worst and worrying about being judged. Be mindful when you're unable to control something, such as the thoughts of others, and learn to live peacefully with it.
Try positive thinking. When negative thoughts arise, pause. Take a deep breath and force yourself to think about something encouraging, like, "I won't succeed if I don't try."
Consult a therapist. If you need help overcoming social anxiety, make an appointment with a therapist to discuss your difficulties and learn coping strategies.

Basic Mindfulness Exercises
Close your eyes and repeat a mantra. Think of a word or phrase that centers on yourself, such as "calm" or "breathe." Maintain this focus for 5 minutes daily, letting thoughts come and go without fixating on them or judging them. Just focus on your breathing and return to your mantra.
Perform a body scan. Notice subtle sensations in your body, such as itching or twinges. Let these sensations pass without judgment or reaction. Slowly scan each part of your body from your toes to the top of your head.
Acknowledge your emotions. Allow yourself to feel without judgment. When you notice an emotion, label it, such as "sad" or "uneasy." Relax, accept its presence, and let it pass.

• Go into the
  restroom
  if you're at a funeral or in the office.
• Leave or
  sit in the car
  if you're at an accident scene.
• Step out of the room
  if someone says something inappropriate.

• This method is effective when laughter unexpectedly escapes and you can't stop it in time.
• You can also pretend to sniffle.

• Say, "I'm really sorry for laughing at your dad's funeral. I want you to know that I didn't find it funny at all, I laughed because I felt sad. I hope this doesn't hurt you."

• You can search online for a therapist.

• A doctor will determine if the medication is suitable for you. Not all patients respond well to SSRIs, and there is a risk of interactions with other medications.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you recognize when an episode of laughter might occur and teach you techniques to control it.

• Don't feel guilty about wanting to laugh. The urge to laugh during serious or tragic situations is perfectly natural, as it helps relieve tension.
• Try pulling the corners of your mouth downward to form wrinkles. This action signals your brain that you're feeling sad.
• Focus on an object in the room and concentrate on your breathing. Avoid looking at anyone laughing or anything that initially triggered your laughter, as it will likely make you laugh again.
• Try staring intently at a spot in the room and keep your eyes fixed on it.
• Take slow, deep breaths through your nose, trying not to open your mouth.

• If you can't stop laughing (or crying) uncontrollably at inappropriate times, it might be due to a neurological disorder caused by injury or a brain condition. In this case, it's advisable to consult a doctor.
• Avoid biting your lips, tongue, or the inside of your cheek to prevent injury.