A sense of humor helps us live life positively and helps us surround ourselves with people who feel great around us A sense of humor and laughter are one of the most fun things we can enjoy and, what’s more, they are free. In reality, there are few things healthier than laughing, as it improves our general and emotional health.
Did you know that laughter is used in psychological therapy? This is what is known as laughter therapy and you can learn more in our article: “Laughter therapy: the psychological benefits of laughter”
A sense of humor provides a series of benefits. But what are they? In the following lines we explain them to you.
1. Helps deal with stress
We live in a fast-paced society, in which we do not stop for a moment to connect with ourselves The pace of life in the West can often lead us to feel stressed and burned out, to feel mentally exhausted. Experts say that stress is a disease of the 21st century.
Logically, there are many variables that cause stress, but we have the possibility that the situation does not end with us. Taking life with humor helps you better adapt to hostile environments. Although it may be impossible to apply a sense of humor, for example, in times of war, first world problems often have their origin in our way of thinking.
Therefore, to the extent possible, practicing a sense of humor daily can help find the emotional balance that we often desire.
2. Attracts people
People like to surround themselves with people who make us laugh and make us feel good because laughter helps release endorphins and serotonin, which are neurochemicals associated with pleasure and happiness.
Therefore, having a good sense of humor attracts others and helps them have a positive experience. If we also apply a sense of humor when living life, it will also lead us on the right path and allow us to meet interesting people. A sense of humor helps us find ourselves in a positive environment.
3. A sense of humor captures the listener’s attention
A sense of humor is a resource that many lecturers use, simply because creates a unique connection with the listener and also captures their full attention The sense of humor is essential in Public Speaking, because the speaker must transmit emotions, and it is well known that positive emotions such as humor can make the audience smile while the speaker provides valuable information.
4. Improves long-term memory retention
But the use of humor in talks not only helps to capture attention in the moment and connect with the listener, but alsoe causes your long-term memory retention to improve At least that is what a study carried out by Melissa B. Wanzer states, which was published in the scientific journal “Communication Education”.
According to the expert: “Humor, together with instructive messages, obtains the attention of listeners, helps them understand the content of the course and increases their ability to process the content, which results in greater retention and learning “.
Humor is not only a resource to capture the attention of the public, but also It is key to relaxing the person who is giving a talk because it acts as a protective shield against nerves
If you laugh at yourself, you will be more relaxed than if you are constantly thinking about how others value you.
6. It is good for brain health
Brain health is also benefited by a sense of humor, since laughing is good for our thinking organ According to research from the University of London, jokes activate the part of the brain that is important for learning and understanding. “Simply listening to new jokes we are working these regions of the brain and that can improve your health and keep you active,” explain the scientists.
7. Improves heart health
Furthermore, as the professor of biochemistry and molecular biology Natalia López highlights, Humor activates a brain mechanism called the “error detection center.” This area of the brain processes language, and when something does not make sense, it detects the error and synchronizes the logical and illogical aspects of the narrative. When the error is detected, the brain releases dopamine, which is associated with the repetition of pleasurable behaviors.
8. Improves overall health
A sense of humor and laughter improve the immune system, so the body becomes more efficient in fighting infections and reduces threatening agents Additionally, studies have shown that it relaxes muscles and lowers blood pressure, making it a great way to keep your heart healthy and reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
According to George E Vaillant, in his book “Aging Well” he explains that “When we get older, we realize that a sense of humor is one of the most adaptive and healthy qualities that allow us to have a happy life.”
Additionally, laughter and humor improve mood and help us feel better about ourselves and life in general. Sometimes we need to disconnect from the things that stress us, and humor is a good way to do it
