[00:00:00] Ever notice how a good laugh can lift your spirits? It turns out humor doesn't just lighten the mood it also helps you stick to challenging tasks. Australian researchers investigated if humor increases persistence, the determination to keep going, overcoming setbacks, distractions and challenges to reach a goal. In two separate studies, researchers measured persistence in 124 undergraduate students who completed various tasks and watched humorous videos. Research participants who experienced humor stayed focused on tasks longer than those who did not. Why? Because laughter triggers amusement, a positive emotion that recharges our mental energy. The study also found that people who find humor in themselves and life's challenges showed even greater persistence. This suggests that humor is not just about entertainment. It can be a powerful tool to keep you going when the going gets tough. So the next time you are struggling to push through a difficult task, take a short humor break. What is amusing about yourself in this task? Find a funny video or podcast, or find a joke and share with a friend. It might just be the mental boost you need to keep going.
