'Laughter really is best medicine - a powerful tool that can boost wellbeing'

03 August 2023 , 17:20

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Laughter and humour play a crucial role in our health (Image: Getty Images/Image Source)

Here is something to smile about – laughter really is the best ­medicine. Some time ago, I read a book by a man whose ­rheumatoid arthritis was so severe he was admitted to hospital for the pain. A friend brought him in some comedy films to while away the time – and his pain eased after he had a good laugh.

There’s no question that laughter and humour are powerful tools that can significantly affect our wellbeing. And Professors Dr Stephanie Schnurr and Yanyan Li at Warwick University would recommend incorporating laughter and humour into our lives to achieve greater wellbeing.

Their fascinating studies show that both have the power to alleviate worry, soothe feelings of isolation, and instil a sense of control over one’s mental and emotional state, acting as a natural pressure value. Professor Schnurr says: “Laughter is an important channel to express ­feelings, show appreciation and create a positive atmosphere. Similarly, by embracing humour, ­individuals can find solace and ­resilience in the face of adversity.”

As in, if I didn’t laugh I’d cry. Laughter and humour play a crucial role in enabling people to cope with potentially overwhelming situations, and create healthy and happy ­relationships.

Humour provides a way to say the unsayable, allowing people to discuss taboo subjects. So here are her five ways laughter and humour can benefit your wellbeing...

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1. Helps us look on the bright side: Laughter and humour can be ­incredibly effective tools for providing a mental break from the challenges in our life. It means we adopt a more light-hearted ­viewpoint towards our circumstances.

2. Take back control: Laughter has the remarkable ability to give us a sense of control, transforming us from feeling helpless to feeling in charge. As an outlet for emotional expression, it promotes mental wellbeing.

3. Release our stress valves: Humour, especially used with irony and sarcasm, plays a crucial role as a release valve, enabling us to relieve tension. The power of laughter lightens the weight of everyday ­challenges.

4. Change our perspective: Humour is a powerful tool that can change the way we see and think about issues. In a medical context laughter can defuse sensitive conversations.

5. Bring people together: Laughing can bring people together and build ­relationships by showing you ­understand someone and can feel better and happier together. Professor Schnurr adds: “Humour creates a new version of reality that is easier to live in, less scary and less likely to cause fear.”

Miriam Stoppard