May 2020

May 2020

Why we laugh

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Sophie Scott

A month of lockdown, done and dusted. We are all wondering how long this can go on for.  Social media paints a negative and depressing picture – which often makes one wonder ‘should I laugh, or should I cry?’  The answer is definitively – you should laugh.

Why?  Because laughter boosts our immunity, lowers stress hormones, decreases pain, relaxes your muscles, prevents heart disease, adds joy and zest to life, eases anxiety and tension, relieves stress, improves mood, strengthens resilience, strengthens relationships, attracts others to us, enhances teamwork, helps defuse conflict and promotes group bonding (virtual or in person)!

Sophie Scott, a cognitive neuroscientist, shares surprising facts about laughter in this fast-paced, action-packed and, yes, hilarious dash through the science of the topic.  I especially enjoyed the last minute of her talk where she says:

‘If we can laugh together, we’re going to get through this.  We’re going to be okay’.