Ali Kimmel, LCSW and I started Living Improv, a group that pairs improvisation (improv) with group therapy. Our experience as improvisers and social workers led us to realize that improv is healing and we wanted to share this gift with others. Often participants in a good improv class come out feeling more energized and joyful than when they walked in. But what happens when you leave improv class? Applying the rules of improv to everyday life can also be a powerful tool for increased fulfillment.
What is it about improv that makes people feel great? There are lists such as this one that outline the benefits of improv. Drawing on my own background in both improv and clinical social work I created my own Top 5 Reasons for why improv is beneficial, both on stage and in life:
1. Improv is play: We play a lot as kids, but somewhere between childhood and adulthood most of us stop. We may imagine we don’t have the time, think it’s a waste of time, or feel self-conscious. But without play, we miss out on a source of joy. Brené Brown, MSW, PhD has found in her research that adults who play tend to lead more authentic, connected and whole-hearted lives. (Brown, Brené. The Gifts of Imperfection. Minnesota: Hazelden, 2010. 100-101).
2. Improv is about authentic connection: One of the main lessons of improv is to be truthful and sincere, not to explicitly try to be funny. This may seem counterintuitive because many people think of improv as comedy. But the best improv scenes happen between characters who display a genuine emotional connection, not between actors who are trying to get a quick laugh. In life, many people think they must say and do things to please others, but being genuine with others facilitates true connections. And as humans, we need authentic connections for our well-being.
3. Improv is about taking risks and being supported: One of the foundational rules of improv is “Yes, And” which means that we follow along with our fellow improvisors’ ideas and we offer our own. In other words, we put ourselves out there (during which we may feel vulnerable) and we receive support. For those who struggle with shame (often a root cause of depression and anxiety) the impetus is to hide. Hiding, however, only exacerbates shame. The antidote to shame is opening up to others with whom we feel safe. Doing improv in a supportive space is a great way to practice the skills of taking risks, being vulnerable, and receiving and giving support.
4. Improv is a mindfulness practice: The psychological benefits of mindfulness are clear. Present-moment focus helps many people feel calmer, as it facilitates letting go of ruminating thoughts (often sources of anxious or depressed feelings). Improvisors need to be focused on the here-and-now in order to listen to their scene partners, contribute ideas, and move scenes forward. In other words, improv helps you to get out of your head. Often I find that while practicing improv I am free from even my heaviest emotional burdens.
5. In improv, mistakes are celebrated: Mistakes are seen as gifts in improv. If someone “messes up,” it’s often a portal to a whole new world or funny scenario. In our high pressure, perfectionist society we are often terribly afraid to make mistakes. Improv helps us relax and find value in our errors.
To learn more about Living Improv, or join our mailing list, please visit www.livingimprovgroups.com.
What is it about improv that makes people feel great? There are lists such as this one that outline the benefits of improv. Drawing on my own background in both improv and clinical social work I created my own Top 5 Reasons for why improv is beneficial, both on stage and in life:
1. Improv is play: We play a lot as kids, but somewhere between childhood and adulthood most of us stop. We may imagine we don’t have the time, think it’s a waste of time, or feel self-conscious. But without play, we miss out on a source of joy. Brené Brown, MSW, PhD has found in her research that adults who play tend to lead more authentic, connected and whole-hearted lives. (Brown, Brené. The Gifts of Imperfection. Minnesota: Hazelden, 2010. 100-101).
2. Improv is about authentic connection: One of the main lessons of improv is to be truthful and sincere, not to explicitly try to be funny. This may seem counterintuitive because many people think of improv as comedy. But the best improv scenes happen between characters who display a genuine emotional connection, not between actors who are trying to get a quick laugh. In life, many people think they must say and do things to please others, but being genuine with others facilitates true connections. And as humans, we need authentic connections for our well-being.
3. Improv is about taking risks and being supported: One of the foundational rules of improv is “Yes, And” which means that we follow along with our fellow improvisors’ ideas and we offer our own. In other words, we put ourselves out there (during which we may feel vulnerable) and we receive support. For those who struggle with shame (often a root cause of depression and anxiety) the impetus is to hide. Hiding, however, only exacerbates shame. The antidote to shame is opening up to others with whom we feel safe. Doing improv in a supportive space is a great way to practice the skills of taking risks, being vulnerable, and receiving and giving support.
4. Improv is a mindfulness practice: The psychological benefits of mindfulness are clear. Present-moment focus helps many people feel calmer, as it facilitates letting go of ruminating thoughts (often sources of anxious or depressed feelings). Improvisors need to be focused on the here-and-now in order to listen to their scene partners, contribute ideas, and move scenes forward. In other words, improv helps you to get out of your head. Often I find that while practicing improv I am free from even my heaviest emotional burdens.
5. In improv, mistakes are celebrated: Mistakes are seen as gifts in improv. If someone “messes up,” it’s often a portal to a whole new world or funny scenario. In our high pressure, perfectionist society we are often terribly afraid to make mistakes. Improv helps us relax and find value in our errors.
To learn more about Living Improv, or join our mailing list, please visit www.livingimprovgroups.com.
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