BENEFITS OF LAUGHING

Our nature as a human being is to laugh when we are exposed to information that is amusing. Laughter is our reaction towards a stimuli that we consider funny, it can come in forms of words, images, sound, memories, and touch. Laughter has a very quick physical effect. When something “funny” is presented to our senses, an electrical charge travels from our nerve system to our cerebral cortex. Our emotional (limbic) system then releases hormones that elevate mood or encourage happiness, while the visual region of our brain creates an image of the amusing concept. Finally, the way our bodies work causes us to smile, laugh, or fall over in a knee-slapper. Based on research, there are health benefits that you can get from laughing. Here are some benefits that you can get from laughing.

• Reduce stress

When we laugh, the stress hormones in our body can decrease. This is why we feel less heavy and less stressed out when we laugh. Laughter raises our body’s supply of antibody-producing cells and improves the efficiency of T cells. All of this translates to a more robust immune system and fewer physical side effects of stress. Not only that, but reduced stress can also reduce the feeling of anxiety, so our sleep quality will also be improved.

• Increase health-enhancing hormones

Laughter can increase hormones like endorphins, which are health-enhancing hormones. When our body releases endorphins, it makes us feel great because studies have shown that endorphins can be a painkiller or a pain dampener.  Our pain tolerance will also be increased because endorphins can contribute to reduction of pain. So, we can be in a good mood after we laugh.

•  Boost your immune systems

Our immune system can be boosted when we laugh because of decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells, also the infection-fighting antibodies. Numerous studies have shown that laughing can alter the body’s chemistry through hormonal changes, causing antibody cells to spread at a higher rate. Because of the rise in antibodies, the body is better capable of fighting off disease and infection. Laughing regularly can give hormonal advantages to the overall system of our body.

• Natural workout

Without realizing it, laughing can actually be a natural way of exercising through groups of muscles in our body. Muscles are utilized to produce the action of laughter, whether it be a giggle or a laugh. The continuous stretching and contracting that occurs when laughing for a long time activates the diaphragm and abdominal muscle systems in the body. This explains why, after prolonged laughter, our sides or stomachs occasionally hurt.

• Improve bonding with your group

Laughter ties us to one another. Laughing makes us feel closer to others and helps us express our affection. Our relationships with others get stronger when we laugh together. In fact, even just recalling humorous moments with loved ones can strengthen our bonds. Most people believe that laughter is contagious, just like smiling and being pleasant. Therefore, if we add more laughing to yur life, we can probably influence those around us to do the same and gain these advantages.

These are some of the benefits we will get when laughing. Watching anything merely amusing may actually frustrate you, but finding truly humorous movies and television shows to watch is a simple way to bring laughter into our life anytime we need it. Since laughter enhances our physical, mental, and social well-being, sharing our recommendations with others will give everyone something to refer to and laugh about as a group will share the benefits as well.

References

Bapat, M. (2022, April 26). The 5 health benefits of laughter. GoodRx Health. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from http://blocked.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/health-benefits-of-laughter

How Laughter Can Relieve Stress and Help Your Immune System. (2020, April 24). Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stress-management-and-health-benefits-of-laughter-3145084

Levy, J. C. (2021, January 28). Benefits of Laughing + How to Laugh More Often. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/health/benefits-of-laughing/

Nagdeve, M. (2020, February 5). 10 Impressive Benefits of Laughter. Organic Facts. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-laughter.html