The link between laughter and mental health
There are many different ways that you can improve your mental health, and laughter just so happens to be one of them. Laughter makes you feel good and that good feeling can last longer than the initial laughing period.
“Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss,” Robinson, Smith and Segal said.
More than just that good feeling you get from laughing, it can also improve your courage and strength to find more things to enjoy in the world.
“Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better,” Robinson, Smith and Segal said.
Laughter can also help you stop your distressing emotions and help you to relax in the moment.
“You can't feel anxious, angry, or sad when you're laughing,” Robinson, Smith and Segal said. “It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more.”
Laughter tends to draw people together which can greatly improve your mental health.
“And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the fun,” Robinson, Smith and Segal said.
Laughter can also simply shift your perspective making it more light-hearted and less threatening.
“A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and diffuse conflict,” Robinson, Smith and Segal said.
