Albert Einstein credited his brilliant mind to having a childlike sense of humour. Einstein was known for his wit and fun. According to some sources, Einstein’s IQ was probably about 160. While celebrated for his scientific genius Einstein also possessed a playful and often quirky side. He frequently used humour in his speeches, writings, and interactions, showcasing a sharp and witty mind. Indeed, several studies have found an association between humour and intelligence. Few research has shown that a sense of humour improves mental and physical health of people, it boosts a person’s attractiveness and improve your leadership skills. In my opinion humour is a critical life skill, one needs to boost it as it cannot be taught.

George Bernard Shaw was well-known for his witty and insightful quotes. Some of his most famous witticisms include: “England and America are two countries separated by the same language,” “Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it,” and “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” He also famously quipped, “There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart’s desire. The other is to get it,” 

Researchers in Austria recently discovered that funny people, particularly those who enjoy dark humour which often explores serious subjects, such as death, crime, fiascos and societal issues, while filling these topics with humour to create an unusual and often thought-provoking contrasts is a gifted skill. They have higher IQs than their less funny peers. Researchers argue that it takes both cognitive and emotional ability to process and produce humour. Their analysis shows that funny people have higher verbal and non-verbal intelligence, and they don’t have mood swings, disturbances and ferocity. It’s nice to have people with sense of humour around. Evidence suggests that having a good sense of humour is highly desirable quality in a partner.

Psychologists have described humour as an  innate trait that signals mental fitness and intellectual agility to potential mates. In studies of attractiveness, both men and women rate funny people as more attractive and charming. A study has also shown that  having a good sense of humour is one of the most important traits in a long-term partnership in marriage, friendship, business partnership etc. Humour is associated with relationship satisfaction, sociability, and high self-esteem. Having a humorous outlook on life is also a good coping strategy. It helps people better manage stress and adversity.

Atal Bihari Vajpeyi, the former Prime Minister of India was known for his articulate speeches and witty remarks. He often used humour to diffuse tense situations and connect with the public on a personal level.

The Broaden & Build Theory is psychological framework, developed by Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that experiencing positive emotions, such as those caused by humour, broadens our thought-action range. This expansion enables individuals to think more creatively and adopt flexible approaches to problem-solving. Over time, these broadened cognitive patterns help build enduring psychological resources, such as resilience, social connections, and emotional well-being. Humour, by promoting laughter and joy, serves as a powerful trigger for this virtuous cycle, enhancing not only mental health but also interpersonal dynamics and overall life satisfaction.

While humour is often linked to higher IQ and EQ, it’s important to note that humour is subjective. Cultural, personal, and social factors shape what we find funny. Therefore, while someone’s intelligence might influence their humour, it’s not a definitive measure. Humour also manifests in different styles, from witty wordplay to situational comedy, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all when assessing intelligence through humour. However, the ability to produce humour consistently often reflects advanced cognitive abilities.

Anand Mahindra is known for his witty and humorous personality, often expressed through his engaging posts and interactions on social media. He is the chairman of Mahindra Group, a large Indian conglomerate, and is recognized for his insightful commentary and light-heartedness on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). 

Not only do funny people make other people laugh, but they also laugh more themselves. And neurobiology shows that laughter leads to brain changes, which may explain the link between humour and intelligence. Neuro-psychological studies have found that experiencing positive emotional states, such as joy, fun and happiness, increases the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine not only make us feel great, but it also opens the learning centres of the brain, which enables and sustains more neural connections. As a result, we become more flexible and creative in our thinking, and better at solving problems. It also boosts our working memory. Scientifically, when we laugh, our body releases the chemical Endorphins – the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemical, and there’s truly nothing better than a hearty laugh to get these hormones activated.

Social scientists have shown in many studies for past few decades that caring touch can have good effects in several different mental and physical problems. Consider this case: a doctor hugged his patient who survived a complicated surgery of six hours; when the patient regained his consciousness after surgery, the doctor felt so happy, he gave the patient a gentle hug.   

A hug is a universal and widely accepted ways to show our affection and love. It communicates many emotions that words fail to express. There are different types of hugs that express different emotions. When you feel low, angry, distressed, or sad, a quick squeeze or hug is all you need to lift your mood.

Hugging helps lower our stress throughout the day. Hugging a person is one of the most natural and emotional physical touches one can have with others. It gives us a sense of security and makes us feel loved and cared for. There are many different types of hugs one can coddle in; few are romantic while others are just friendly, they are emotional and supportive. For example, a side hug is friendly; hugging from behind portrays intimacy; in a friendly hug two people engage in arm-hug; hugging around the waist is romantic; a bear hug is for warmth; one-sided hug shows caring.  And there are many unseen benefits of hugging; the biggest is boosting of dopamine hormone which is ‘feel good’ hormone and in case of loving hug, oxytocin hormone boosts feeling of love.

Research shows that hugs can be healthy. Hugs cause a decrease in the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, and another research indicates that hugs decrease our blood pressure and heart rate in stressful situations. The stress-reducing effects of hugging keeps us healthier. In a study of over 400 adults, researchers found that hugging reduces the percentage of falling sick. From childhood to old age people who are hugged by near and dear ones stay healthy.

According to one study, it takes merely 7 seconds of a hug for our brain to signal the release of oxytocin hormone that is associated with, amongst other things, increased levels of trust, calmness, and creativity. Hugging often creates a feeling of calmness and relaxation. That’s because of oxytocin which is sometimes called the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin is released when people or pets snuggle up or bond socially. This release can have a domino effect throughout the body and has been found to reduce inflammation, improve wound healing, it lessens cravings for drugs, alcohol, and sweets and lowers heart rate and stress. Domino effect is a situation in which one event causes a series of related events, one following another.

Getting a firm, reassuring hug before or during a stressful event, such as waiting to receive the results of a medical test, waiting for an examination result, waiting to receive a near and dear one at station, can help you stay calm because your oxytocin levels remain elevated.  A hug a day may, in fact, keep the doctor away.

They make us happier. An assuring hug is much better than gulping anti-depressants. Hugging triggers the release of serotonin in the brain to create happiness and ease sadness.  They Help deepen our relationships. As human, we automatically want to hug those we know are in pain. In many ways, hugs are a form of meditation. They allow us to be present in the moment, to let go and flow with the energy of the embrace. It’s easy to forget how meaningful a hug can be, but it can truly deepen your connection with another person. Hugs convey, in a nonverbal way, an understanding of each other.

Humans and dogs have been together since primitive times, and both have a primal need for physical touch. All monkeys, from chimpanzees to Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) to humans, are hard-wired to console others and transmit affection by hugging. Even a reptile, a hen, and a fish look enjoy some human affection. Bears, koalas, deer, elephant, and even birds such as parrots, crows, pigeons, sparrows, peacocks love human touch. Indian scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose showed that plants can experience sensations and feel pleasure and pain. Like birds and animals, plants also respond to human touch.  

Don’t underestimate the healing power of a hug. Just as we exercise to stay in shape and diet to stay healthy, we should make the effort to stay connected to the people. We can never get enough hugs. They are priceless gifts of unconditional love because a hug communicates a thousand words.