Humour & Playfulness - Dr Adrienne Wood

To be able to laugh is a great gift. All human beings laugh, and we are most likely to do it in the presence of others.  So what is the purpose of laughter?

Dr Adrienne Wood leads the Emotion & Behaviour Lab at the University of Virginia. Together with a team of researchers, Dr Wood explores this question, as well as other questions about the benefits of laughter and how laughter influences our relationships.

Her research shows how laughter helps us to connect with others, eases tension and lifts spirits. Laughter is contagious and tends to make us feel good. We use laughter to help conversations go smoothly, in awkward moments and to show interest in others.

When we intentionally cultivate humour in our lives, we can see that it certainly has the ability to positively impact our lives and that it can definitely help to bring a lightness and transcend us above difficulties.