April Fools’ Day pranks can be good for you

"Don't believe anything you hear, and only half of what you see." The saying holds especially true on the first morning of April.

While pranks are often dismissed as immature or frustrating, they do have their benefits.

The National Post's Melissa Leong looked into the pros of pulling pranks. Silliness can do a body (and relationship) good.

Psychologist Jason Chin conducted a study on the experience of being duped. He says that aside from the relief of stress that comes with prank-induced laughter, a practical joke can also contribute to the strengthening of a relationship and encourage self-reflection.

Self-reflection often follows being pranked; the victim blames themselves for falling into the hopefully harmless trap.

"It's not a great feeling but it motivates people to make sure that it doesn't happen again in the future," Chin says to the National Post. "Pranking teaches you an important lesson without any real consequences."

As for pranks strengthening relationships, Moira Smith, a librarian and author of a book on practical jokes, says each prank tests a relationship, either strengthening it or exposing its weaknesses.

"In the course of playing a joke, you are commenting on that relationship and you're also affecting that relationship, either making it stronger or enhancing differences that already exist. You can use a practical joke to build solidarity or do the opposite."

While the initial reaction to a prank is often one of anger, she says the goal is to reconcile in such a way that shift your target's annoyance to admiration for your clever gag. The process can be a bonding one.

Laughter remains the number one benefit to April Fools' fun. Several studies have concluded that both psychological and physical health are positively impacted by, well, positivity. Laughter yoga, now practiced in over 60 countries, has been shown to reduce stress and blood pressure.

It is the best medicine, after all.

This April Fools' embrace the friendly pranks and have a good laugh. Just put the whoopee cushion away before noon.

(Photo credit: Thinkstock)