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flickr user Neal Fowler, CC BY licence
It’s been a rough week in the news – heck, it’s been a rough summer in the news. It’s tough not to feel overwhelmed and dispirited with all the crazy stuff happening in the world. You may not feel like a video will help, but even the momentary lift in mood can do good things for your health. So here are three YouTube videos that will make you laugh, smile, or just regain your faith in humanity.
For a laugh
I challenge you not to laugh along with this round-faced baby, and I hope you fail at that challenge, because laughter is good for you. Laughing can soothe tension, moderate your stress response, boost your immune system and improve your mood. Plus, there’s nothing better than a baby’s old-man-style wheezy laugh.
For a smile
Without fail, I smile every time I watch Gene Kelly dance. Check out this silly, upbeat scene from Singin’ in the Rain and smile along – you’ll enjoy a rush of feel-good hormones dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin.
For regaining faith in humanity
The news makes it seem like the world is full of terrible people, but clips like this one, from a 2012 Britain’s Got Talent audition, will remind you that there are plenty of kind, wonderful people in the world. And if it makes you cry a little, that’s ok; tears release stress hormones and stimulate production of endorphins.
What videos always make you feel better? Share with us!