Learning Challenge | H.E.A.R.T. - Laughter

(Laughter. Web Source: Wikimedia Commons). 

Laughter is an integral part of life. However, most only associate laughter with happiness. Have you ever thought about the true impact of laughter on our lives outside of our happiness? Dana Bilsky Asher unwraps a surprising new connection between laughter and another part of our life... the way we learn. 

After reading The Surprising Link Between Laughter and Learning, I learned how crucial it is for us to laugh in order to succeed in our education and work life. One of the main points of the article is that when we laugh, we relax. Anxiety can be a large road block in life when it comes to both educational and work careers. It can hold us back from trying something new or completing a project. Imagine what you could accomplish without anxiety holding you back?

Laughing also creates a visual, public display of emotion. When we have heightened emotions that are visual, we are viewed as more vulnerable. This vulnerability can improve relationships between coworkers, which can improve the overall function of an office because the workers feel comfortable sharing ideas and constructive criticism. Along with that, coworkers can share in failures in a light-hearted way in which they can grow from. 

Another important aspect of laughter is that it is a healthy outlet for aggression. Jokes allow us to unpack thoughts and emotions that may be frustrating us. While it is not appropriate to complain or yell at a coworker, laughing together about an unfavorable situation is a healthy way to release your emotions.