What's the point of laughing? We all know it's fun - but what if there was another reason to laugh, too? Well, turns out there are loads! That's right, laughing can actually make the world a better place! Read on to find out how!

1. Jokes can keep the villains in check!

There's nothing an evil dictator hates more than being laughed at. Lots of powerful countries have made it illegal to laugh at their governments - because they fear jokes more than anything else! Jokes have the power to turn the public against even the scariest leader, and there's not much that can stop a well-aimed punchline!

2. Humour can get you through bad times!

If jokes can cheer you up in your everyday life, that's also true during really difficult events. Jokes helped a lot of people through the pandemic, and history is full of examples of people joking their way through really terrible times. For instance, it's likely the Vikings brought sarcasm to the British Isles - and there are lots of Viking jokes about gruesome battles and war*. So jokes are also an important way for us to process stressful things and get on with our lives afterwards.

*We'll let you look some of them up yourself!

3. Comedy can bring us together!

It doesn't matter where you're from or what football team you support, if something is funny, it's just funny. Everyone around the world can enjoy a laugh together, and use those giggles as a way to talk about things and make friendships. Who cares if we get world peace by making loads of fart jokes? As long as we get there in the end, right?

4. It's good for your mental health!

Laughing is an important part of having a good life. It gets rid of stress, makes us feel good, and helps us get on well with people around us. People who laugh are usually happier - and happier people are usually kinder, more open-minded, and friendlier. So keep cracking those jokes, because happy people means a happy world!

5. It can give you the strength to make bigger changes!

Sometimes - not always - the world can be a bit depressing, and watching the news just makes you want to go back to bed again. Laughter can be the antidote to this, and it can give you what you need to make the world a better place. Comedy can supercharge our efforts to fix big problems, and stop us getting bored before we finish the job. A funnier world is simply a better one!

For help and support with how you’re feeling, visit https://www.place2be.org.uk/page/get-urgent-help/