The 9 benefits of having a sense of humor

Are you a particularly giggly person? Science shows that... it's all advantages.

A sense of humor helps us to live life in a positive way and helps us to surround ourselves with people who feel great around us.. A sense of humor and laughter is one of the most fun things we can enjoy, and it's free. In fact, 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 known as laughter therapy and you can learn more in our article: "Laughter therapy: the psychological benefits of laughter".

What are the benefits of having a sense of humor?

A sense of humor brings a number of benefits. But what are they? In the following lines we explain them to you.

1. Helps to cope 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 kill us. Taking life with humor helps us to adapt better to hostile environments. While it may be impossible to apply a sense of humor, for example, in times of war, the problems of the first world often have their origin in our way of thinking.

Therefore, as much as possible, practicing a sense of humor on a daily basis can help us find the emotional balance we often desire.

2. It attracts people

People like to surround themselves with people who make us laugh and make us feel good.We like to laugh, 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 to live a positive experience. If we also apply a sense of humor to life, it will also lead us in the right direction and allow us to meet interesting people. A sense of humor helps us to find ourselves in a positive environment.

3. A sense of humor captures the attention of the listener.

A sense of humor is a resource used by many speakers, simply because it creates a unique connection with the listener. it creates a unique connection with the listener and, moreover, captures their full attention. A sense of humor is fundamental in public speaking, because the speaker must transmit emotions, and it is well known that positive emotions such as humor can bring a smile to the audience's face 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 it also causes their long-term memory retention to improve.e causes them to improve their long-term memory retention.. At least that's what a study conducted by Melissa B. Wanzer claims. Wanzer, which was published in the scientific journal "Communication Education".

According to the expert: "Humor, coupled with instructional messages, gets the listeners' attention, helps them understand the course content and increases their ability to process the content, resulting in higher retention and learning".

5. Helps you relax

Humor is not only a resource to catch the audience's attention, but it is also key to relax the person who is giving a talk because it acts as a protective shield against nerves. is key to relax 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 evaluate you.

6. It is good for brain health

The health of the brain also benefits from a sense of humor, because 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 by listening to new jokes we are working these regions of the brain and that can improve its health and keep it active," explain scientists.

7. Improves heart health

In addition, as Natalia Lopez, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, points out, humor activates a brain mechanism known as 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 logic and illogic of the narrative. When the error is detected, the brain releases dopamine, which is associated with the repetition of pleasurable behaviors.

8. Improves general health

A sense of humor and laughter improve the immune system, so that the body becomes more efficient at fighting infections and reduces threatening agents.. Studies have also shown that it relaxes muscles and lowers Blood pressure, making it a great way to keep the heart healthy and reduce the chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

9. Makes you happier

According to George E Vaillant, in his book "Aging Well" he explains that "As 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".

In addition, 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 that..