The weather is cold, Christmas is over, it’s a rough time of year for everyone. If you’re feeling less-than-cheerful at the moment, you’re certainly not alone.
We have a solution though! Recent studies suggest that improv comedy can hugely improve your mood, whether you’re taking part in a workshop or watching a show.
Read on to find out the ways that improv can get you through the winter months with a smile on your face.
1.) Improv boosts creativity
Practising improv can increase your ‘divergent thinking’, a skill that allows you to come up with innovative solutions to problems. It gets you thinking on your feet and taking risks, which can help you approach your day to day life with more curiosity and spontaneity.
2.) It makes you laugh
Improv comedy is really funny! Whether you’re watching a performance or taking to the stage yourself, seeing performers come up with wacky scenarios and characters is a lot of fun. It provides escapism from the stresses of everyday life, and makes you smile in spite of the grey weather outside.
3.) Community and connection
We have a lovely community of improvisers and audiences at the Bristol Improv Theatre. With courses, workshops, community events and shows, we have plenty of opportunities for you to meet new people and gain new skills. Plus, practising improv has been proven to ease social anxiety, even after one short workshop.
4.) Stress reduction
Doing improv can boost your confidence, and make you more comfortable with uncertainty. This helps reduce stress levels, and sets you up to deal with whatever challenges life throws at you.
5.) It helps your brain work better
Improv comedy activates your mind in a similar way to freestyle rapping or jazz improvising. It helps you be less self-judgemental, while encouraging the creative and language part of your brain to fire up. It also helps with connectivity, allowing the different areas of your brain to work together.
If you’d like to get in on the benefits of improv, you can check out our shows here, or take part in a course or workshop here.
We can’t wait to see you soon!
