Stand-Up Comedy is a form of entertainment that has been around for decades. It’s a medium that has been used to convey important messages and has even been credited with saving lives. But what is Stand-Up Comedy, exactly? And why is it such an effective way to improve mental health?
What’s it like at a comedy show?
Comedians bring their unique brand of humor to live performances, and each one offers a slightly different experience. Whether you’re a fan of Portland-based stand-up comedians like Laughing Hyena, or Nick Kroll or Chicago’s own Hannibal Buress, attending a comedy show can be an enlightening and entertaining experience.
While some shows are lighthearted and fun, others can be more adult in nature. Regardless of the content, comedians put on a great show and are always worth checking out. So if you’re looking for a night out that will make you laugh – comedy is definitely the way to go!
1. Laughing is Good for Your Mental Health
According to a study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, people who laugh frequently have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Researchers analyzed data from more than 10,000 adults aged 18 to 64 years and found that those who laughed more than 20 times per week had a 40 percent lower risk of developing the major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to those who laughed less than five times per month.
Additionally, people who laughed more often also had a 30 percent reduced risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), as well as a 50 percent reduced risk of developing severe stress symptoms. The benefits appeared to be independent of other factors such as social support, happiness, and physical health.
According to the study authors, “These findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing happiness and reducing psychological distress could also aim to promote laughter.”
2. It Can Help You Cope with Stress
If you’re looking for a good way to reduce stress, watching stand-up comedy might just be the answer. According to a study published in “The Journal of Positive Psychology,” people who watch stand-up comedy tend to have lower levels of stress than those who don’t. This is likely because stand-up comedians use humor to deal with difficult topics like relationships and self-image.
3. Stand-Up Comedy Can Boost your Self-Esteem
If you’re looking for a way to boost your self-esteem, watching stand-up comedy might just be the solution. Stand-up comedians are known for their sharp wit and cleverly written routines, which can make them feel appreciated and relatable. They also often use humor to address personal issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. In other words, watching stand-up comedy can benefit your psyche in a number of ways.
First, stand-up comedy can help you develop new perspectives on life. By exploring different topics and taking on controversial subjects, comedians can open your mind up to new ideas and perspectives. This is especially important if you’re looking for ways to expand your horizons and challenge yourself intellectually.
Watching stand-up comedy can help you develop better self-confidence. Not only do stand-ups use humor as a tool for self-expression, but they also tend to be highly self-aware. That means they know exactly how they look on stage and what makes them tick – which allows them to control how their material is delivered.
As a result, comedians often come off as confident individuals who aren’t afraid to take risks. This mindset can give you the courage to try new things and take risks in life – two things that are key contributors to self-esteem development.
Finally, stand-up comedy can help you build relationships with other people. Just like any other form of communication, laughter is an effective way to build relationships. In fact, laughter has been shown to increase oxytocin levels, which is a hormone that is associated with happiness and well-being. As a result, watching stand-up comedy can not only be amusing, but it can also be therapeutic.
Importance of comedy in society
Humor has always been a deeply important aspect of human culture. It can be found in everything from jokes told around the fire to the wacky cartoons on television. And, of course, there is no better way to relieve stress than with a good laugh. In recent years, however, comedy has taken on an even more significant role in society.
Not only is it an excellent way to relieve stress and have fun, but it can also be used as a tool for social change. Through its power to make people laugh and think critically about the world around them, comedy has the potential to improve the lives of both individuals and communities.
There are countless examples of how comedy has helped improve the lives of those around it. For example, one study found that jokes about mental health were particularly effective in helping people feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. This openness can ultimately lead to better mental health outcomes for everyone involved.
Similarly, comedy can help break down social barriers and build bridges between different groups of people. For example, one study found that jokes about race were particularly effective in reducing racism and prejudice. By exposing people to different perspectives and making them laugh together, comedy can help break down these divisions and create a more tolerant society overall.
Overall, comedy is an incredibly important part of human culture and its ability to make us happy and think critically about the world around us is truly unparalleled. It is a tool that can be used to improve the lives of both individuals and communities, and we should do everything we can to keep it alive and well.
Conclusion
Not only can watching stand-up comedy help you improve your mental health, but it can also be an incredibly fun and entertaining experience. Laughing is one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost your mood, so if Stand-Up Comedy is something you’re curious about but don’t know where to start, we hope this article has helped you gain an insight in some advantages it offers.
Nina Smith 
Kim Marks