2 Your Health: The serious benefits of joking
Sometimes all it takes is a good joke to turn our day around.
On this April Fools' Day, psychologist Kia-Rai Prewitt, PhD, explains why laughter can truly be the best medicine.
'A lot of us hold tension in our bodies, and laughing gives us a chance to actually exhale and release some of that tension,' Dr. Prewitt said.
In fact, turning to laughter can help us deal with some of the day-to-day stress we all face. That's because enjoying a joke can release feel-good chemicals in our brains, giving our mood an overall boost.
Dr. Prewitt said embracing laughter and not taking everything so seriously can be freeing for our mental health.
Humor may also help us get through tough times and find a more positive outlook in difficult situations. It can be a means to connect with others as well.
'When you find something, you can all laugh about, humor is a great thing to enjoy with company. You don't want to laugh at anyone else's expense, of course, but if there's a shared joke or something that most people would find funny–it really can be a good way to connect with someone,' Dr. Prewitt said.
Although laughter may come more naturally for some, Dr. Prewitt stressed that's not the case for everyone. She said it's important to find ways to tap into your sense of humor–whether that be watching a funny movie or going to a comedy show.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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