There hasn’t been a whole lot to laugh about in recent times, but things are looking up. We’re vaccinated, restrictions are lifting and the England football team even got us over those 55 years of hurt. We’ve finally got reasons to smile again. Could there be a better wellbeing boost?

THE POWER OF LAUGHTER

Laughter and humour are positive traits. They are proven to boost mind, body and spirit. Think about a time when you were really stressed out or anxious and someone made you laugh. It was hard to keep hold of those negative emotions, wasn’t it?

I’m backed by scientific research here, which evidences in a number of ways how laughter and humour benefit our minds and our bodies. One study highlighted how laughter and humour can improve brain connectivity, with our ability to recognise the different types of laughter we might hear, such as tickling laughter compared with taunting laughter. Another study showed how, when we laugh, we elevate our pain threshold and release endorphins.

Studies also have examined how laughter helps to release serotonin in our brains and to decrease our social anxiety, and even how laughter increases the oxygenation of the blood.

THE BENEFITS OF HUMOUR

Humour is one of the positive psychology strengths in the ‘Values in Action’. The VIA Classification is a free survey you can do to determine how the 24 strengths relate to you. Humour is important because it is often a lubricant to building social connections. Think back to before dating apps and swiping right to the old-fashioned dating adverts and GSOH (good sense of humour) — a trait that many looked for, and, of course, still do when finding their ideal match. Let’s face it, did anyone ever think ‘I want my ideal partner to never make me laugh or smile’?

Studies also show that people with a sense of humour often have a more composed view on adversity; they are capable of seeing the ‘bright side’ which is a valuable coping mechanism when dealing with distressing situations. Of course, we don’t want to be around people who don’t take life seriously, but an ability to bring humour at the darkest times can shift the energy, emotions and feelings of those less able to do so.

4 Ways you can start to bring humour back into your life right now

• Try Laughter Yoga! Check out Laughter Yoga Wellness London for virtual practice and London-based sessions.
• Seek out your funny loved ones and friends. This does not mean ignore all the others, but if you are surrounded by people who are positive, upbeat and like to have a laugh it will instantly make you feel better. 
• Watch a funny movie or TV show, or listen to a comedy podcast. Whatever your jam of humour: deadpan, dark, satirical, highbrow, slapstick… the list is endless to raise a smile or a big, deep belly laugh.
• Discover your inner child and play When we are babies, our first laugh is one of our milestones. Being around young children can make us laugh, just from the things they say and do. If you don’t have little people in your life, bring back that childhood spirit by playing board games or being creative.

If you want to know more about how positive psychology works, CHAMPS have created an 8-week online coaching programme called My Mental Wealth. The MWealth programme is designed for you to build your own health and wellbeing tools using positive psychology practices. You work through the programme at your own pace but are supported by the Team CHAMPS experts through fortnightly live Zoom coaching calls. The programme is curated so you can meet your own tribe through the closed Facebook Community Group. This is a simple yet effective way to start investing in your own Mental Wealth journey. You can take your first step by downloading a free worksheet on the key pillars of wellbeing.

Ruth Cooper-Dickson is a Positive Psychology Practitioner and qualified Coach, who has studied Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. She is the Founder and MD of the global mental wealth people consultancy, CHAMPS, partnering with progressive organisations helping them to ingrain a culture of positive mental wealth. Ruth is a passionate runner, an addicted life-long learner and a lover of all things cake!