Benefits of Laughter
Laughter has been around since the beginning of our species. You might say we were born with a sense of humor.
The physical benefits of laughter are numerous and well-documented.
Laughter is powerful medicine. Here are some of the effects humor and the accompanying laughter have on the human body:
- Reduces pain (by producing hormones called endorphins in response to laughter).
- Strengthens immune function. A good belly laugh increases production of T-cells, interferon and immune proteins called globulins.
- Decreases stress. When under stress, we produce a hormone called cortisol. Laughter significantly lowers cortisol levels and returns the body to a more relaxed state.
- Exercises organs. The lungs, heart, abdominal muscles, thorax, liver, diaphragm, and lachrymal glands all are exercised. Digestive organs are also stimulated.
How to Laugh When Nothing Seems Funny
How can you get a laugh if you are cooped up in a hospital room, nursing home, or shut in at home? Try these ideas:
1. Look for funny. When watching TV, listening to the radio, or looking out the window, look at things as if you are a humor reporter. find the absurd in the everyday. I guarantee you will find small chuckles along the way. I keep a humor journal (a cheapy spiral notebook in my purse to jot notes wherever I go).
2. Spend a day acting like your favorite comedian or comedienne. What would Lucy do? Jerry Seinfeld? Roseann Barr? George Burns? You get the picture? The people around you might think you're nuts, but that's part of the fun!
3. Don't watch the news. It it bleeds, it leads. There's nothing funny about the news these days. Stick to funny shows.
4. Think back to some of your most funny embarrassing moments (e.g., your biggest cooking disaster, dating disaster, job goof up) -- how you handled them then; what you would do now; and compare notes with someone.
Just keep laughing!
Strength through Laughter
Did you know that laughter also strengthens us emotionally, spiritually, and socially?
To our emotional / mental state, laughter:
- Helps re-frame an unpleasant, painful, or stressful event
- Creates a positive mental effect
- Eases emotional pain and distress of illness
- Stimulates right side (creative side) of the brain
- Enhances coping skills
To our spirit, laughter:
- Frees us from the confines of our body
- Helps us refocus on the total self
- Makes us whole
To our social self, laughter:
- Creates a common bond with others
- Alleviates interactive tension
- Breaks down barriers
- Reduces conflict
Have you ever noticed it is difficult to stay mad at someone who makes you laugh?