Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine! Don't Believe It? These Are Its Amazing Benefits

In moments when things seem too grim, we are time and again reminded of how crucial laughter is in our lives, no matter where it comes from. It's a healing force that not only makes us feel better but also offers tremendous benefits for our emotional and mental well-being.

How important is laughter really?

Other than really helping stretch those facial muscles, laughter does have a lot more benefits. As per a study titled "Who Benefits From Humor-Based Positive Psychology Interventions? The Moderating Effects of Personality Traits and Sense of Humor" the inclination toward laughter and a sense of humour is recognized as among the 24 primary signature strengths that individuals can possess. But it was noted that people don't laugh as much as they should. While healthy children are known to laugh 400 times a day, adults apparently only laugh 15 times a day.

What are the benefits of laughter?

Now that we know how laughter is not just an emotion and expression but also a great source of help to our well-being, here are some benefits of the same:

It reduces stress

Laughter has a significant impact on stress reduction. It stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. This can lower stress and anxiety levels. A study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing found that laughter reduced cortisol, the stress hormone, in participants.

It helps manage pain

Laughing can act as a natural painkiller. It increases the body's production of endorphins, which can help alleviate pain. Research from the University of Oxford suggests that laughter triggers the release of endorphins that can directly diminish pain sensations.

It boosts the immune system

Laughter can bolster the immune system. It increases the production of immune cells and antibodies, aiding in disease resistance. A study published in the journal FASEB found that laughter stimulated immune responses in participants.

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It enhances your mood

Laughter has a positive impact on mood. It can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. A study in the Journal of Aging and Health showed that laughter therapy significantly reduced depression in elderly individuals.

It helps people bond

Laughter is a powerful social tool. It fosters social connections, strengthens relationships, and increases feelings of group cohesion. Research published in the journal Human Nature suggested that laughter contributes to the establishment of social bonds.

It helps lower blood pressure

Laughing has cardiovascular benefits. It improves blood flow and can help lower blood pressure. A study at the University of Maryland revealed that laughter causes the endothelium, the tissue that lines blood vessels, to expand, promoting better blood flow.

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It can enhance one's creativity

Laughter may have cognitive advantages. It can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. A study in the Creativity Research Journal demonstrated that exposure to humour can significantly boost creative problem-solving.

It is helpful in enhancing pain tolerance

Laughter can increase pain tolerance. It helps in distracting attention from pain and increasing pain thresholds. A study published in the journal Pain Management Nursing showed that humour intervention increased pain tolerance in participants undergoing painful procedures.

How to surround yourself with laughter?

Now that we know all the benefits of laughter, some people may have a little problem inculcating it in their everyday lives. Here is what one can do to laugh a little extra in their day-to-day life:

Have humourous interactions with people

Spend time with people who make you laugh, whether they're friends, family, or coworkers. Positive and humorous social interactions can naturally lead to more laughter.

Watch comedy content

Enjoy funny movies or TV shows. Laughter is contagious, and humour can be a great way to unwind and have a good time without you having to depend on someone else.

Try attending stand-up comedy shows

Visit comedy clubs, improv theatres, or live comedy events. The energy and atmosphere in such places can be infectious, and you'll often find yourself laughing more than you expected.

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Laugh at yourself sometimes

Don't take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at your own mistakes and imperfections. This not only lightens your mood but also endears you to others. This will also help upgrade your self-esteem.

Try laughter yoga

Laughter yoga is a practice that combines laughter exercises with yogic deep breathing. It's designed to induce spontaneous laughter and has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress.

Funny videos online can help

With the abundance of funny videos online, you can easily find a wide variety of content that suits your sense of humour. Platforms like YouTube and social media are full of comedic material.

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Join a laughter club

Some communities have laughter clubs or laughter yoga groups where people gather to laugh intentionally. This can be a fun and supportive way to add more laughter to your life.

Try a humour jar

Whenever something funny happens or you come across a good joke, write it down on a slip of paper and put it in a jar. When you need a laugh, you can revisit these notes.

Try smiling more

Last but not least, even if you don't feel like laughing, smiling can trigger the brain to release endorphins, which can improve your mood and make laughter come more naturally.

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So, just add laughter and humour to your life and learn how it is getting better.