We all know a good laugh can brighten the day. But did you know laughter may also support your health? Current evidence suggests it can help ease stress, potentially improve mood, and may offer benefits to the cardiovascular system [1]. Let’s look at how laughter potentially impacts the body and mind.
The Science Behind Laughter
When we laugh, our body undergoes specific physical responses that may support our health. For example, laughter can temporarily increase heart rate, enhance oxygen intake, and improve blood circulation [2]. Studies suggest that it may also trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine, which are natural brain chemicals associated with feelings of relaxation and a positive mood. These short-term effects may contribute to overall physical and mental well-being.
Physical Health Benefits of Laughter
Laughter is not just good for emotional well-being; it can also have a potential impact on physical health. Here are a few ways that laughter may benefit the body:
1. Boosts Immune Function
When we laugh, the body may experience a decrease in stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can weaken the immune response over time [3]. Studies suggest that this reduction in stress hormones, rather than a direct increase in immunoglobulins, is the primary way laughter can help support immune function [3]. By managing stress effectively through activities like laughter, we may help to keep our immune system more resilient.
2. Supports Heart Health
Laughter may benefit cardiovascular health. Research indicates that genuine laughter can lead to the temporary dilation (widening) of blood vessels (the endothelium, which is the inner lining of the blood vessels) [4]. This improved function can increase blood flow and help maintain healthy blood pressure [4]. By promoting better blood flow, regular laughter is viewed as a supportive activity for overall cardiovascular wellness.
3. May Influence Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess body fat, that together increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that laughter may positively influence blood sugar levels and insulin activity in the body [5]. For instance, a small study found that watching a comedy after a meal was associated with a smaller rise in postprandial blood sugar [5]. While these findings are intriguing, laughter should be viewed as a supportive, adjunctive activity for overall well-being, and it is not a replacement for prescribed medical advice or treatment for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
4. May Support Longevity
Some studies suggest a link between laughter, sense of humour, and potential longevity. Research from Norway found that a higher degree of sense of humour was associated with increased survival rates, particularly in patients with serious illnesses [6]. While more research is needed to establish a direct causal link, laughter may support a positive outlook that contributes to overall well-being and potentially better coping mechanisms [6].
5. Aids in Pain Management
Laughter may also help with pain relief. It can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which may act as mild natural analgesics and ease discomfort [1]. Small studies suggest that people who incorporate laughter before a stressful or painful event may tolerate it better [1]. While it should never replace medical care, laughter can serve as a simple, non-pharmacological way to support overall comfort.
6. Gently Engages Core Muscles
Laughter can also gently engage our core muscles. When we laugh heartily, our abdominal muscles contract and relax repeatedly, providing a minor, gentle workout that can help support muscle tone over time. It is essential to note that laughter should not be considered a substitute for a regular, structured exercise routine, but it is a fun way to incorporate some minor physical activity.
Mental Health Benefits of Laughter
Laughter has a profound impact on mental well-being, promoting mood improvement, reducing stress, and fostering emotional resilience. Let’s see how:
1. Stress Reduction
Laughter is a natural stress-buster. It decreases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, and helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response, promoting relaxation and lowering blood pressure [3]. This stress management can contribute to improved overall well-being.
2. Mood Improvement
Laughter stimulates the release of endorphins and may alter the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, helping to activate the brain’s pleasure and reward centres [1]. This activation encourages a more positive outlook and may help reduce feelings of mild anxiety and improve mood [7].
3. Serves as a Cognitive Distraction
When faced with stressful or challenging situations, laughter provides a healthy psychological distance, helping to reduce feelings of overwhelm. It temporarily shifts focus away from negative rumination and emotions, offering a pause and a potentially clearer mind [7].
4. Changes Our Perspective
By adding humour to challenging situations, laughter fosters a more positive and resilient mindset, enabling better coping with adversity [1]. It encourages a different, often lighter, viewpoint, making difficulties seem more manageable.
Social and Emotional Benefits of Laughter
Laughter is a powerful tool for enhancing social connections, emotional well-being, and teamwork. Here are some social and emotional benefits:
1. Strengthens Relationships
Laughing with others creates shared positive experiences and increases social connectedness. It fosters intimacy, leading to feelings of security and safety. Laughter enhances relationships by promoting mutual enjoyment and building trust [2].
2. Promotes Teamwork and Cooperation
When people laugh together in a group, it creates a positive and relaxed environment that facilitates collaboration. Laughter helps build camaraderie and makes collaborative efforts more enjoyable and effective.
3. Increases Emotional Resilience
Laughter enhances the ability to cope with adversity and manage stress. It fosters a more resilient and adaptable mindset, enabling individuals to recover from psychological challenges more easily [1].
Ways to Incorporate More Laughter
Incorporating more laughter into your life can be a simple and rewarding experience. Here are 5 straightforward ways you can do this:
- Seek Out Humorous Company: Laughing with friends is a powerful way to boost your mood and strengthen social bonds. Regularly spending time with friends who share your sense of humour can significantly enhance your mental and emotional well-being.
- Cultivate a Humorous Mindset: Actively looking for the funny side in mundane tasks or unexpected events can help you laugh more frequently. This mindset enables you to stay positive, manage daily stress more effectively, and maintain a healthy perspective on life.
- Explore Intentional Laughter: Practising laughter, even if it feels forced at first, can have real benefits. Techniques like Laughter Yoga involve intentional laughter that can ultimately lead to genuine laughter and a more positive mood [2]. Your brain processes the physical act of laughter regardless of its origin, still allowing for the release of beneficial neurochemicals.
- Engage with Humorous Media: Enjoying humorous media, such as comedies, cartoons, or stand-up, is a simple way to incorporate laughter into your daily routine. Watching funny content can help reduce stress and provide a much-needed mental break.
- Attend Comedy Events: Watching live comedy shows or humorous performances is an effective way to induce laughter. Engaging with humorous content can promote physiological relaxation and provide an overall sense of well-being.
Conclusion
Laughter is a valuable and accessible activity that can support both physical and mental well-being. It is linked to lower stress levels, improved circulation, and positive mood changes through the release of feel-good brain chemicals like endorphins. Some research suggests it may also play a supportive role in immune function, pain tolerance, and heart health. While research is ongoing, incorporating regular moments of laughter into daily life is a zero-cost, easy way to promote relaxation and positivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the potential benefits of joy and laughter?
The potential benefits of joy and laughter include a supportive effect on immune function, reduced stress hormones, improved blood flow, pain relief, and an overall sense of well-being.
Is laughter good for the body?
Yes, laughter is considered a positive physical response. It can relax muscles, improve blood vessel function and blood flow, and aids in temporary pain relief and stress reduction [1, 4].
What happens after a good laugh?
After a good laugh, your body often enters a state of relaxation. Stress hormones typically decrease, while the levels of endorphins and serotonin may increase, promoting a sense of calmness and well-being that can last for a period [1].
Who said, “Laughter is the best medicine”?
The phrase “Laughter is the best medicine” is a common saying that dates back centuries and is supported by numerous scientific studies indicating its health benefits. It is not attributed to a single specific individual.
What is a nice quote about laughter?
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin
How do you express laughter?
Laughter can be expressed in various forms, including hearty belly laughs, giggles, chuckles, and smiles. It can be triggered by humour, funny situations, or even through intentional laughter exercises, such as laughter yoga.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and general wellness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your Primary Care Physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before implementing any new wellness practice. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
References
[1] Louie, D., Brook, K., & Frates, E. (2016). The Laughter Prescription. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 10(4), 262–267. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827614550279
[2] Yoshikawa, Y., Ohmaki, E., Kawahata, H., Maekawa, Y., Ogihara, T., Morishita, R., & Aoki, M. (2018). Beneficial effect of laughter therapy on physiological and psychological function in elders. Nursing Open, 6(1), 93–99. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.190
[3] Hajar, R. (2023). Laughter in Medicine. Heart Views, 24(2), 124–124. https://doi.org/10.4103/heartviews.heartviews_10_23
[4] Miller, M., & Fry, W. F. (2009). The effect of mirthful laughter on the human cardiovascular system. Medical Hypotheses, 73(6), 1188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2008.11.025
[5] Hayashi, K., Hayashi, T., & Iwanaga, S. (2007). Laughter lowered the increase in postprandial blood glucose. Diabetes Care, 30(7), e45. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc06-2521
[6] Svebak, S., Romundstad, S., & Holmen, J. (2006). Sense of humor and mortality: Findings from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT). International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 36(1), 27–37. https://doi.org/10.2190/73J9-W01X-X22G-L5V7
[7] Gelkopf, M. (2011). The use of humor in palliative care: An integrative review. Journal of Palliative Care, 27(1), 38-46. https://doi.org/10.1177/082585971102700107
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