Laughter Can Decrease Stress: Cooped-up Comedy Survival Guide
In trying times, laughter can literally be the best medicine, so we have compiled the best laughs out there. Why? A 2016 study showed laughter can decrease stress hormones in the body, decreasing depression. Laughter decreases serum levels of cortisol, and increases levels of dopamine and serotonin (Yim, 2016). Another study found an increase of Natural killer cells – which is an indicator of a high functioning immune system. The more active they are, the better your immune system (Wooten 1996):
So to help, here are some clips I found bloody funny, but try to watch them with someone else, as you’re 30 times more likely to laugh than if you’re alone (Scott, 2015):
Humour (kid friendly):
The hilarious Lee Mack – best bits from “Would I lie to you?”
Best bits of Would I Lie To You:
Jimmy Carr on Would I Lie To You (kid friendly):
Going stir crazy with the kids in the house? Michael McIntyre
Graeme Norton: Best of comedians:
Humour (not-kid friendly):
Jimmy Car has been putting all his stuff on YouTube lately:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cN_ZghfcxE
Brilliant British Comedian Sarah Millican:
Great British humour: Big Fat Quiz of Everything:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuMcd6OAioA_6t2OPttHCw
Lee Mack:
References:
Wooten P. (1996) Humor: an antidote for stress. Pub Med; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8550690
Yim J (2016) Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter in Mental Health: A Theoretical Review. Pub Med: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27439375
Bennett, M.P, Lengacher, C (2007) Humor and Laughter May Influence Health IV. Humor and Immune Function. Pub Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686627/
Scott, S Why we laugh (Apr 30, 2015) TED. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxLRv0FEndM