Healing Power of Laughter and Play

Why do we laugh? Is laughter simply a response to something funny, or does it serve a deeper purpose in our lives? In this episode of Psychology Takeaway, we explore the fascinating psychology of humor and laughter, beginning with a surprising historical discovery: Laurent Joubert's Treatise on Laughter, originally published in 1579. Written by a French physician, the book represents one of the early systematic attempts to understand why human beings laugh, what triggers laughter, and what happens to us physically when we do. More than four centuries later, many of the questions Joubert raised remain relevant. We'll look at what psychology tells us about the many roles laughter plays in human life. Can laughter reduce stress, improve our relationships, help us cope with difficult circumstances, and contribute to our overall well-being? Why do we sometimes laugh at inappropriate moments, or find humor in things that others find offensive? And is all laughter good for us? Join us as we explore the science, psychology, and surprisingly serious business of something we all do but may not fully understand: laughing. LEARN MORE: Top 100 Humorous Podcasts - https://goodpods.com/leaderboard/top-100-shows-by-category/comedy/all-comedy Why People Believe in Weird Things - https://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-Weird-Things-