“Laughter is the best medicine.” There is more truth to this saying than what those five words say. Yes, chuckling often gives health a boost. Believe it or not, laughter is, indeed a unique human ability. Our own experience tells us this: a person with a good sense of humor has always received a warm welcome from those who knew him. No wonder we like comedy shows and mimicries; they brighten our moods. Research done on the healing power of laughter proves that a life with laughter is always a happy and healthy one. This post will take a look at some serious scientific findings which demonstrate the therapeutic benefits that laughter evokes.
Humor can do more good than merely create endearing smile lines. It can, in fact, help maintain a style of life which is healthier and vibrant, filled with both physical and emotional wellness. The scholarly journal, “Psychology Today”described laughter as “the universal human vocabulary, produced and recognized by people of all cultures.” Dr. Michael Miller, MD, from his research writes, “Humor is so important that I place it as a daily requirement for a healthy heart, just like diet, exercise and sleep. In fact, a good laugh will make you more likely to experience a good night’s sleep, give you more motivation to exercise and may even keep you away form unhealthy comfort foods that are often sought out during stress.” Steve Wilson, a noted psychologist, believes that when we laugh, it sets off a chain of positive physical and mental reactions. He elaborates it with its physiological basis. Laughter dilates blood vessels because lungs take in more oxygen and muscles relax. Besides, heart rate goes up and the brain tends to produce neurotransmitters like endorphins. Popular comedian, Eric Idle, once commented, “Life is a gift but it has diminishing returns, so it’s important to laugh.”
Some researchers compare a good laugh-fest to a mild workout. They contend that distress is the antithesis of laughter. And, the deleterious effects of chronic stress is now widely known. Of all the positive ways to deal with stress such as exercise, proper diet and adequate sleep, perhaps laughing is the most simple and sure way to stay healthy.
Seven Proven Health Benefits
Given below are areas where laughter has been helpful physically, mentally and socially:
Reduction in pain. This is one that has been proven more beneficial clinically. Pain tolerance became higher after laughter, believed to be resulting from the release of endorphins. (Endorphins are the body’s natural pain killers.)
Decreased stress level. Laughter suppresses the release of stress hormones while simultaneously boosting the level of endorphins, the feel-good chemical. Research shows that by making time for more humor, we can reset the body’s thermostat for stress level.
Sharpening your brain. Two groups of researchers agree on this. One group theorizes that laughter, by activating all parts of the brain at once, improves the cognitive function. The second group “found that a wave of electricity sweeps through the entire cerebral cortex before we laugh.” Gamma frequencies, the type of brainwaves that help with recall and memory, are said to be induced by laughter.
Closeness to friends and family.This is a phenomenon which many may have experienced in our personal lives. Many awkward or tense social situations can be smoothed over by cracking an appropriate and well-timed joke. The net result: everyone feels more supported and comfortable and the “joker” instantly becomes a dearer and popular person.
Lowering of blood pressure. Researchers have established “a link between laughter and healthy blood vessels. A genuine laugh dilates your blood vessels, causing increased blood flow and reduced blood pressure.”
Increased longevity. After making adjustments for the social benefits of humor, a longitudinal study in Norway determined that women with a “high sense of humor” had a significantly lower chance of dying from cardiovascular disease and infections; men had a significantly lower rate of death from infections”
Strengthening of immune system. Research done at the National Institutes of Health in the USA made the following suggestions about laughter:
Laughter raises levels of antibodies which fight infections.
Laughter boosts the natural killer cell activity (a type of activity which white blood cells do to guard against tumors and to attack infections).
Finding Ways to Laugh More
Books, radio, television, computer and live shows– all these are good sources to tap into. As an ever-ready place to use at a short notice whenever you need to reduce stress, make yourself a “Humor First Aid Kit.” Include in it things you think are funny such as a book of comics, hilarious group photos, funny greeting cards, etc. Compile a list of your favorite funny movies, television series- past and present, funny sites on social media, etc. Find a place for some comic books in your library and keep them handy.
A word of caution. If you discover at some point for you, or someone close to you, that it is hard to laugh, even with a good joke, and you also notice that you, or that person, is feeling anxiety, reporting sadness, lethargy or lack of normal vigor and vitality lately, it is sufficiently a strong reason to seek medical advice promptly. (Chronic depression is treatable and needs prompt attention. You may help avoid a lurking tragic event.)
India International Health Foundation 