How to Get Your Creative Groove On is an original series by Perch. This week we’ll look at what research has to say about the link between laughter and creativity.
Week 26: Laugh Hard, Laugh Often
Making room for elements of play in the creative life helps keep things fresh and boosts creativity. But how often do you laugh? Really laugh? Like a belly laugh deserving of a ROFL tweet?
There is a universally acknowledged acceptance of the healthful benefits of laughter. However, studies show humor can boost creativity, too. In fact, Professor Alice M. Isen of Cornell University has demonstrated a positive association between positive affect (i.e., happy feelings) on social interaction and cognitive processes such as memory, decision making, problem solving, creativity, and risk taking. In particular, laughter and humor have been shown as students attempt to solve the Duncker candle problem, a classic creativity test. In Isen’s work, 75% of students who were shown a comedic blooper film prior to attempting the test solved the problem correctly, while only 20% of students who were shown a math film solved the problem. (Read more here.)
How to Laugh More (Seriously!)
One of the reasons I love my husband so much is that he makes me laugh. I tend to be more serious, introspective, and reflective, while he has struck a much healthier balance between working hard and playing hard. He loves to have fun, and anytime we’re in a group setting, he nearly always has everyone laughing.
If you don’t have someone like my husband in your life, there are other ways to get yourself to laugh more, including going to comedy clubs, watching funny movies, hosting game nights, and playing with your pets. As an additional resource, I really enjoyed this article by The Help Guide – it includes everything from the healthful benefits of laughter to practical ways to lighten up and laugh more.
So indulge in that Dilbert comic. Better yet – go check out Marc Johns’ work on Flickr. And if the boss asks questions – let him know you’re just boosting your creative problem solving skill set. That’s included in your annual compliance courses, right?
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