Happiness Strategies | How to be Happy » Laughter http://www.happinessstrategies.com/blog Ideas & strategies for a happier life Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:36:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Laughter: A Path to Better Relationships and Less Pain? http://www.happinessstrategies.com/blog/2009/03/26/laughter-a-path-to-better-relationships-and-less-pain/ http://www.happinessstrategies.com/blog/2009/03/26/laughter-a-path-to-better-relationships-and-less-pain/#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:00:13 +0000 Michele Connolly http://www.happinessstrategies.com/blog/2009/03/26/laughter-a-path-to-better-relationships-and-less-pain/

Better Relationships and Less Pain? The cover story in the current issue of Scientific American Mind is all about how a sense of humor can make you stronger, friendlier – and sexier!

Here are some key ideas from the article (quoted):

- The concept of laughter as a cure for disease lacks scientific support, but humor may indeed have significant effects on the psyche.

- Laughter relaxes us and improves our mood, and hearing jokes may ease anxiety. Amusement can also counteract pain.

- Cheerfulness, a trait that makes people respond more readily to humor, is linked to emotional resilience—the ability to keep a level head in difficult circumstances—and to close relationships. Life satisfaction may increase with the ability to laugh.

Read the whole story – and lighten up!

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