It’s good for the heart. When it comes to keeping our hearts healthy, apart from all the usual recommendations (diet, exercise, etc.) it’s also important to add a touch of humour to your life. Did you know that when we laugh our blood vessels dilate? As they open wider, blood flows much more easily through our veins transporting much need oxygen around the body, and our blood pressure lowers. This all means that our heart doesn’t have to work so hard.
2. We become less aggressive. Very often the best way to help a tense situation is with a dash of humour. We’ve all experienced one of those deathly silent moments following an unpleasant or unwanted comment, and it’s during these moments that negative emotions such as anger and aggression can arise. A funny remark that manages to produce a laugh can calm the atmosphere and clear the air, preventing the situation from escalating
3. It makes us more sociable. Laughter can also help us when it comes to our personal relationships – not only with people we already know and feel comfortable with, but with strangers and those we hardly know, too. When we share funny moments with people we’re more likely to open up and talk more about our personal lives afterwards. Something else worth bearing in mind – according to studies, it’s 30 times easier to laugh when we have company, so arrange a get-together with friends and laughter is pretty much guaranteed.
4. Difficult situations are made easier. Even if we only laugh for a few short seconds, during that time our minds forget all about pain and worry. This can help us find the strength to face up to difficult situations and problems. Laughing alleviates feelings such as fear and rage, meaning we can face painful or complicated moments with more optimism. The best bit? It can even make us more effective at finding quicker, more effective solutions to whatever problem we may have.
5. Happy hormones are released. Some experts believe that laughter has the power to heal. Why? Well, because when we laugh, aside from a feeling of freedom, we encourage our bodies to release hormones that increase our overall happiness. Dopamine improves our mood, adrenaline makes us more alert and receptive, and serotonin is a calming, pain-relieving endorphin.
6. It’s great for the kids. Just as with adults, it’s of enormous benefit for children to find themselves in a happy atmosphere surrounded by laughter. In fact, according to psychologists, in promoting their sense of humour, you’re increasing their mental, emotional and cognitive development. Dig out that clown costume and get them laughing!
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