Comedian Kevin Hart once said, “Laughter heals all wounds, and that’s one thing that everybody shares. No matter what you’re going through, it makes you forget about your problems. I think the world should keep laughing.”
But Hart’s words show that he’s more than just a talented comedian; in fact, he’s full of scientifically-backed wisdom. In particular, this statement shows that he has his finger on the pulse of current scientific research about laughter, and its positive effects on your health, relationships, and even your cognitive abilities.
Read on to learn some more specific reasons why you should have a good laugh as often as possible …
1. Humor can have a notably positive effect on your relationship.
Who doesn’t like to share a good laugh with their partner? Enough said.
But laughing with your significant other isn’t just fun. It’s actually a powerful force that can help strengthen your relationship. Humor can bring shared positive emotions, a feeling of connection, and defuse uncomfortable situations. In addition, one study found that in heterosexual couples, humor was associated with greater feelings of intimacy and relationship satisfaction amongst women. However, it is important to note that the type of humor associated with this is positive (supportive) humor, not the passive-aggressive humor or jabs that people sometimes use.