Did you hear the one about the free medical treatment that is not only fun but also highly contagious? It’s about laughter and it’s no joke how good it is for your mind, body and soul. The list of health benefits related to laughter is long. From exercise to happiness and pain killers to stress relievers, a hearty chuckle has a positive effect on the many aspects of a healthy life.
Going beyond just bringing a smile to your face, studies have found that laughing has a variety of physical benefits that lead to a healthier life. The positive effects of laughter are a result of endorphins and serotonin released by the brain when someone laughs. These feel good hormones create a feeling of happiness that not only increases joy and makes one smile but also reduces the level of stress-related hormones that cause anger and tension.
Just as a good cry can make you feel better, a good laugh can have a similar positive effect. Like a cleanse, it can provide a physical and emotional relief that you may not even know was needed. Laughter makes you feel good. It is an easy way to boost your mood when feeling sad or in pain – it’s hard to be angry when you’re laughing – as it helps to sooth upsetting emotions.
Gelotology, a relatively new field of scientific study, has recently taken an in-depth look at the benefits of laughter. Studies have shown there are several types of therapy that use laughter to positively help patients reduce stress, pain and their response to allergens. These therapies include both laughter meditation and laughter yoga, two modern treatments that are growing in popularity for people of all ages and genders.
Shelley Nessman has experienced the benefits of letting yourself laugh.
Nessman hosts the Richmond Laughter Group, a drop-in session that meets once a week to practice laughter yoga. After witnessing the transformative powers of laughter while at a retreat several years ago, Nessman has been able to help others spend an hour of their week laughing, moving, breathing and just having a good time. “Anyone benefits from laughter,” Nessman says. “Laughter yoga combines playful activities, simulated laughter, breath and movement – these things will have positive effects on anyone!”
In his 1979 book, Anatomy of an Illness, Norman Cousins, an American journalist and author, details how laughter helped to cure him of his chronic illness while allowing him to sleep better and stop taking pain killers. Cousins’ research was the first to prove that laughter was indeed an effective remedy for chronically ill patients, who could see immediate changes in their health when treated with humour, and, consequently, the first to bring such treatment to the public’s attention.
The popular saying ‘laughter is the best medicine,’ while not completely accurate, is rooted in truth. “Laughter is a wonderful additional thing you can do for yourself,” Nessman says. “It isn’t meant as a replacement for other means of healing – simply as a way to boost your body’s immune system and give yourself a better chance at healing.” Letting your inner hyena out by engaging in a good laugh boosts immunity. An increased level of antibodies, as a result of laughter, strengthen the body’s abilities to fight off viruses and disease.
While it may not appear to be the same as a sweat-soaked run on the treadmill or suffering through a bootcamp class, laughing has many health benefits that come in the form of exercise. While the rest of the body relaxes during a deep LOL (laugh out loud), the stomach is working overtime, engaging the abdominal muscles and working the core. It provides a workout for facial, shoulder, back and respiratory muscles without having to visit a gym.
Because laughter increases blood flow, and subsequently, the oxygenation of the blood, it helps to protect and strengthen the heart. Allowing your body to laugh on a regular basis helps to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and prevent circulatory diseases such as heart attacks. Having a good laugh makes for a happy heart as well as a healthy heart.
In addition to the more medical and scientific benefits that come with a good giggle, laughter also has many social benefits. Laughing with others allows for the creation of a positive bond. It improves the connection between those laughing together because laughing allows defences to be dropped and a release of inhibitions. It is easy to forget any judgements or criticisms when laughing with someone, allowing for improved relationships devoid of barriers and holding back feelings.
Laughter helps bring people together during difficult times. Whether it’s a disagreement or hurt feelings that have left a strain on a relationship, a quick joke or a good laugh is often enough to heal. Being able to bond over a group giggle helps diffuse conflict and promotes teamwork.
If laughter is lacking in your life, it’s best to seek it out. Spend time practicing your smile, find funny people to spend time with and don’t be afraid to ask others what they find funny. By actively embracing laughter, and not taking life too seriously, one can lead a healthier life.
