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    Why We Need Laughter More Than Ever

    Just a little reminder.

    Lily Lieberman
    by Lily Lieberman

    Community Contributor

    the conversation.com / Via the conversation.com

    It is a natural, human reaction, when one is in distress, to laugh. When our minds are overloaded with too much information to process, we express our confusion with an equally confusing response- laughter. Today, in a world that seems to be in a perpetual state of confusion and panic, more than ever do we need the comedians, talk shows, memes, viral videos, and text posts. To a certain extent, they distract us from the horrible and sometimes unimaginable things going on in the world, but they also create something else- catharsis. A cathartic response, a release of built-up emotion in laughter or tears induced by something you can see, is like being able to take a deep breath for the first time after the storm. It's like that moment in a movie after the fighting ends, and all the characters pause in disbelief.

    beliefnet.com / Via belief net.com

    Some would argue that catharsis adds more confusion to our lives, that hysterical laughter or devastating tears just contribute to the turmoil in our heads. But hasn't everyone experienced at one time or another the cleansing effect of having a good cry? It clears your mind, exhausts your body, and allows you to finally rest, your worries and doubts forgotten for a moment. And laughter- laughter is the best medicine! Of course, it won't do much for a broken leg or appendicitis, but there are proven examples of 'feel-good chemicals' being released when humans smile.

    care2.com / Via care2.com

    And of course, when you smile, as is the natural reaction, someone else smiles, and so on, and so forth, spreading this tiny moment of peace to all around you. This alone is reason enough to keep making jokes, keep smiling, keep posting funny moments or pictures- if not for you, than for someone else who needs a moment of peace in their ever-changing life.

    everydayhealth.com / Via everydayhealth.com

    "There is nothing in a the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor." - Charles Dickens

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