TIL - Why laughter is the best response to life and we should do it all the time [my last post in 2016]
'A day without laughter is a day wasted.' Charlie Chaplin already knew well.
The world is challenging us in many ways, and in times like these it´s even more important to stay positive. There is this saying that '1 minute of laughter adds 5 minutes of life'. Even if it wasn´t true, there would be plenty of other reasons to do it all the time! C´mon! :)
The benefits of laughter
- It boosts confidence: Laughing lightens our mood. The ability to laugh at ourselves helps us to not take things too seriously and strengthen our self-confidence.
- It helps you to get trough the toughest times: We all know that when a conflict is eminent most of us find it quite difficult to even crack a smile. But if it’s one thing I’ve learned is that everybody survives those tough times with not only stillness, but also through laughter. Even the silliest statement of a friend or family member which helps us to get out of the darkness is much appreciated.
- It reduces stress: People who laugh a lot are less likely to experience stress in their life.
- It helps to lose weight: Laughter appears to burn calories. According to a study done by the resarcher Maciej Buchowski, it turned out that 10 to 15 minutes of laughter can burn 50 calories.
- It encourages longevity: According to a study done by the University of Maryland in 2005, laughter improves the function of our blood vessels, thus it increases our longevity.
- Happiness boosts our immune system: A study which was done at Birmingham University found a link between higher levels of antibodies to flu and living in a happy marriage.
'I believe that if people can get more laughter in their lives, they are a lot better off.' Steve Wilson (psychologist and laugh therapist).
Laughter connects you with people
The English comedian John Cleese said, “I’m struck by how laughter connects you with people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance, any sense of social hierarchy when you are just howling with laughter.”
Laughing together can greatly improve empathy between people of different cultural backgrounds. It fosters better communication, which automatically leads to a less confrontational approach in tense situations. It helps to change from individual competitiveness to team cooperation.
Voluntary simulated laughter is beneficial for very socially and culturally diverse groups or communities, thanks to its universal and inclusive nature. It means that all of them can join in and develop common a sense of belonging.
Laughter is good for your relationship
If there is one thing a relationship should always have, it’s pleeeeenty of laughter. In fact, most of the couples who made it to their 'golden years' would tell you it was their constant ability to laugh together even in the toughest times that got them through whatever challenges that came their way.
But how do they do it? They remain optimistic and encourage each other until everything seems easier. It seems less complicated to chuckle at the little things that occure around them and they also build stronger bonds from those moments. So the next time you and your partner are having a rift, try seeing the bright side in that moment and you’re bound to find something funny.
Don´t miss the flirting factor - laughing is sexy!
Many women, regardless if they are looking for a one-night stand or future husband, appreciate a comedian. That´s a fact ;-)
Following a study done in UK men who are considered funnier are also more likely to be considered more attractive for short- and long-term relationships.
In a Men’s Health survey done with more than 1,000 American women agend from 21 to 54, 77% of them ranked a sense of humor as their number 1 must-have in a man, even beating out characteristics like confidence, intelligence, passion, and generosity.
Laughter is always right, especially when celebrated with others. And that´s exactly what I am going to do now: live some pleasant and entertaining holidays with my lovely family <3
I wish you a wonderful Christmas, too, Steemians! Enjoy your time - with MANY MANY reasons to feel good, smile and LAUGH ***
See you next year!
Hugs and kisses,
Marly -
Picture source title: https://31.media.tumblr.com/
Picture source friends: http://cdn-media-1.lifehack.org/
Picture source girls: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/
Picture source couple: http://www.quotesvalley.com/
Picture source girl car: http://data.whicdn.com/
Picture source quote charlie: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/
Wonderful post for the end of 2016! Thanks for sharing and happy holidays! :)
Thank you so much for your kind words @alcibiades!
Wishing you a marvellous Christmas, too :-)
Laughter is such release .... did you know it's the opposite of crying? Merry Christmas to you too @surfermarly :)
Merry Christmas and many laughter to you, too, @countrygirl!!! :-)
I used to write down jokes years ago when I did stand up. Coincidentally enough, I was just going through some of them through my old Facebook posts.
I can't make gay jokes 'cause I'm straight, I can't make black jokes 'cause I'm white and I can't make fat jokes 'cause I'm thin, but I can make Jew jokes 'cause I'm an asshole.
"L'Oreal: Because you're worth it" - honest advertising for once, since the last I checked, that stuff was like two bucks a bottle
Man, you should have seen those chicks last night, I was like a God to them! They were all atheist.
When I run for parliament, I'll campaign against drunken hecklers and my slogan will be "Give shut the fuck up a chance!"
My girlfriend is not exactly a supermodel. She's just a regular model.
On April 21st 2011, SkyNet became self aware. The people of Finland, however, did not.
I'm currently in an open, polyamorous relationship. My girlfriend is not.
I've heard that 70% of women's orgasms are fake. All of my orgasms are hand made.
All in all, stand up comedy is a lot like my sex life: a six minute long joke, followed by an awkward silence, which more often than not is a one man show.
Hahaha, thanks for sharing! :-D
Stand up means stand up comedy? That´s pretty cool!
I love listening to jokes, while I am incredibly bad in remembering and repeating them. But there is one (only one) I have memorized well (I actually don´t know why). It´s not even a good one, haha :-)) My family dies when we are sitting around the table and I say 'Oh I also know a joke to tell!!!' Then they are like: 'Oh please not again the one with the numbers......' But since they are not listening right now.... here we go :-)
An '8' and a '0' walk into the desert. After a while they are sweating like hell and the '0' says to the '8': 'I have no idea how you can even wear a belt walking through this heat!'
Have a wonderful Christmas with your lovely family! That's my plan too. :-)
Wishing you much love and laughter in the New Year!
Thank you so much @kenny-crane!
I wish you a marvellous Christmas and a brilliant start into the New Year, too.
May the laughter never be missed ;-)
I try to see the better side of life every day. Sometimes the endeavor can be pretty hilarious. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. :-D
Oh I love to laugh at myself!!
Thanks for your comment @roswellrockman and happy rockin around the Christmas tree ;-)
Laughing is the best therapy
Sometimes bad affections developed in situations, can escape the possibility of deep feelings with a joke.
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