Have you ever heard the expression “laughter is the best medicine”? Many people have, and science has found that there is actually some truth in that statement. While most people have an inherent sense that laughter is good for them, many do not know why that is or what exactly laughter does for the human body. In doing my research on the subject, I’ve found that laughter has many effects on the human body: often directly influencing physical or mental health.
Today I will be discussing these physical, mental, and social benefits of laughter and the goal is to convince you of why you should laugh more. First, let’s look at some of the physical benefits.
Laughing relaxes the entire body
A good laugh aids in circulation and relieves tension in the muscles and can leave the body relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterward; according to information found on Mayo Clinic.org and Help Guide.org.
Boosts the body’s immune system
Laughing causes stress hormone levels to decrease (cortisol and adrenaline) and immune cells to increase, thereby improving resistance to disease. Also, one cancer study conducted by the Indiana State University Sycamore Nursing Center found that patients who laughed more on average had higher levels of natural killer cells. Natural killer cells are basically white blood cells the body produces that attack virus-infected cells and tumors the body develops. So if you laugh more, you can potentially reduce your cancer as reported by an article published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
Causes the release of Endorphins
Endorphins are neurotransmitters which make the body feel good and relieve pain by raising our ability to ignore pain according to information found on LiveScience.com.
Protects the Heart
When you laugh, you are lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of having a heart attack or stroke without even realizing it.
Helps you live longer
There was a study conducted in Norway which found on average that people who laugh more or have a strong sense of humor, tend to outlive those who don’t. This also ties back to the cancer research I mentioned and laughter’s effect on NK cell levels.
The physical perks that laughter affords us are notable, but there are also some great advantages it gives to mental health.
Relieves stress
Laughing eases anxiety and depression. It doesn’t completely eliminate them but it does help. People who use humor to relieve stress tend to be more positive or have a happier outlook on life as reported by Everyday Health.com.
Laughing not only improves mood but also your mental processing
People who participate in joyful laughter produce brain wave frequencies which are similar to a pure state of meditation, which allows for clearer and more integrative thought. Studies show that laughter can influence creativity, alertness, and memory.
Laughing helps people handle PTSD
There’s a method wherein therapists use laughter to get patients to overcome the emotional distress of their trauma. According to Laughter Online University, this treatment was developed by Jon Connelly, a Florida therapist, specifically to treat people who have experienced traumatic events.
Having examined the physical and mental advantages of laughter, let’s look at the social merits.
Laughter strengthens relationships and promotes bonding
Studies show that couples who laugh together often feel more satisfied in the relationship or supported by their partner according to an article found on Care2.com
In conclusion, laughter is a wonderful thing for your health. One interesting fact is that women usually laugh more than men and men are more "laugh-getters" according to Psychology Today. We’ve gone over the physical, mental, and social benefits of laughter and how laughing more can only improve your day to day experience. I encourage you all to find something that makes you smile or laugh today.
