After a long day, a meme from a friend can make you smile for a moment. That is not just fun: humour is one of the simplest ways to ease stress, as long as the time we spend on social media does not wear us out.
How laughter affects stress
HelpGuide, a mental health resource, notes that laughter can lift mood, protect against the damaging effects of stress and relax muscles. It also says laughter reduces stress hormones and increases immune cells. These are general observations. Laughter is not a treatment, but it is a healthy habit.
Shared laughter goes further
According to the same source, people are many times more likely to laugh around others than when alone, and laughing together strengthens relationships and can act as a buffer against stress and disappointment. So sending a meme to a friend and laughing about it together is a lovely way to stay in touch. The NHS also lists regular chats and group chats with friends as a helpful habit against lonelines…