There are many social benefits of laughter that can help us improve relationships in both our professional and personal lives. As the poem by John Donne says, “No man is an island.” We need others in order to survive, and to thrive.
Laughter is a universal language. Even animals laugh. In terms of human beings, laughter creates connection, co-operation, compassion and communication. Laughter helps give people a sense of belonging, provided they are not being laughed at and the humor is not designed to be cruel or sarcastic.
Laughter in the Workplace
We spend about a third of our time at work, so anything we can do to help the hours fly by and be as productive as possible is a step in the right direction. Laughter can promote teamwork and stimulate creativity, as well as thinking outside the box. It fosters collaboration rather than competition. The team spirit can help everyone stay on the right track even when things get tough.
There is a lot less stress in the workplace with laughter, and a different energy and “vibe.” Customers and clients can sense this as well. You can always tell when people love what they do and are happy at their jobs, and this makes for better customer service.
People do business with people they like, so light humor can also get people to sign on the dotted line. It is perfect for networking as well, drawing together a large circle of like-minded people.
The important thing to remember is that everyone has a different sense of humor, so keep things light and avoid any sensitive topics or anything offensive. When in doubt, laugh at yourself. It will make your issues with your PowerPoint presentation, for example, seem a lot less embarrassing and stressful.
Personal Relationships
Having a good laugh with friends and family reduces stress and induces relaxation. In the same way that you need a support group at work in order to get things done, a strong support group in your personal life can help you ride out any storm. Those without a support group are a great deal more stressed, and their health can start to suffer. They struggle with their work-life balance and don’t take time to relax.
Quality time with family and friends can stop you from burning out. Sharing fun activities, comedies on TV, silly games and more, can bring you all closer together and create lasting memories of great times.
Romantic Relationships
Having a good sense of humor actually improves romantic relationships as well. You don’t have to be the class clown, but any laughter will add spice to a relationship. Men in particular find laughter sexy in a woman, especially if she laughs at his wit (but not at him, of course).
Women too like a partner with a good sense of humor. Both genders are clearly drawn to the positive energy displayed when people laugh.
However, too much laughter can be annoying after a while and tend to signal someone who can’t be serious.
Interestingly, studies have shown that the person speaking actually laughs 46% more than the person listening. People tend to laugh more with a male speaker than a female. They also noted that laughter does not interrupt the flow of conversation, but rather, seems to divide it up into sections.
Shared laughter established intimacy. Just think about tickling and you will have an idea of how close, and how romantically intimate, laughter can bring you.