Laughter is often considered the best medicine, and for good reason. Not only does it feel good to laugh, but it also has a number of surprising health benefits. From reducing stress hormones to improving immune function, laughter has been found to have both physical and mental health benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most notable benefits of laughter backed by scientific research, as well as some tips for incorporating more laughter into your daily life.
- Reducing Stress Hormones
When we laugh, our body releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins, which can help to reduce stress hormones like cortisol. In a study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, researchers found that watching a funny video was able to reduce cortisol levels in study participants. Another study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology found that even anticipating laughter can help with stress management.
Tips for incorporating more laughter into your daily life:
- Watch a funny movie or TV show
- Read a funny book or comic
- Spend time with friends who make you laugh
- Try laughter yoga or laughter therapy
- Boosting Immune Function
Laughter has also been found to have a positive effect on the immune system. A study published in the International Journal of Medical Science found that laughter therapy was able to increase the production of immune cells and improve overall immune function in study participants. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that laughter therapy was able to reduce the severity and frequency of respiratory infections in elderly adults.
Tips for incorporating more laughter into your daily life:
- Join a laughter club or group
- Practice gratitude and positive thinking
- Spend time with people who uplift you
- Watch funny animal videos online
- Reducing Chronic Pain
For those suffering from chronic pain, laughter may be an effective tool for relief. A study published in the Journal of Aging Research found that humor therapy was able to reduce chronic pain levels and improve happiness in older adults. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that laughter therapy was able to reduce pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia.
Tips for incorporating more laughter into your daily life:
- Watch stand-up comedy or improv
- Attend a comedy show or open mic night
- Spend time with children, who often find humor in everyday situations
- Look for the humor in challenging situations
- Improving Cardiovascular Health
Laughter has also been found to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. In a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology, researchers found that laughter was able to improve vascular function and increase blood flow in study participants. Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that laughter may have a protective effect against heart disease.
Tips for incorporating more laughter into your daily life:
- Share a funny story with a friend or loved one
- Listen to a comedy podcast or radio show
- Attend a laughter yoga class
- Practice smiling and laughing more throughout the day
- Enhancing Mood and Well-being
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of laughter is its ability to enhance mood and well-being. In a randomized controlled trial published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, laughter yoga was found to be an effective tool for reducing depression and improving overall mood in elderly women. Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that laughter therapy was able to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with schizophrenia.
Tips for incorporating more laughter into your daily life:
- Start each day with a smile or laugh
- Share a funny meme or video with friends or coworkers
- Join a laughter meditation group
- Practice self-compassion
- Strengthening Social Connections
Laughter is a powerful tool for building and strengthening social connections. In fact, laughter is contagious, and when we laugh with others, it creates a sense of closeness and bonding. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that couples who shared laughter together reported higher relationship satisfaction and were more likely to stay together.
Tips for incorporating more laughter into your daily life:
- Spend time with friends or family who make you laugh
- Attend a comedy show or open mic night with friends
- Play games that involve humor and laughter
- Join a laughter therapy group
- Boosting Cognitive Function
Laughter has also been found to have a positive effect on cognitive function. In a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, researchers found that humor was able to improve memory and learning ability in study participants. Another study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that a positive mood induced by laughter was able to enhance creative thinking and problem-solving ability.
Tips for incorporating more laughter into your daily life:
- Play games that require creativity and humor
- Attend a comedy improv workshop
- Watch a funny TED Talk or presentation
- Practice positive self-talk and humor in daily life
In conclusion, incorporating more laughter into your daily routine is a simple and enjoyable way to improve your health and well-being. Laughing has been found to have a number of surprising health benefits, such as reducing stress hormones, boosting immune function, and improving cognitive function. Whether you prefer watching a funny movie or spending time with friends who make you laugh, finding ways to incorporate more laughter into your daily life is a small but powerful step towards a healthier and happier you. So why not start today? Your body and mind will thank you for it!