Is Laughter the Best Medicine?
Karly Hurley
| 3 min read
You've heard the phrase, "laughter is the best medicine," right? While calling it the best medicine may be a bit of a stretch, there is evidence that some hearty guffaws can do a lot more to keep you healthy than you might think.
Research has found laughter to be beneficial to both our short-term and long-term health.
How laughter benefits physical health
It turns out a good belly laugh can give your internal organs a boost. It's good for your lungs, heart and other muscles in your body. According to Henry Ford Health, laughter can lead to improved vascular function and circulation, which can help reduce your risk of a heart disease diagnosis.
When you laugh, you increase your body's concentration of oxygen. You breathe deeper, so you have more oxygen-rich blood that is sent out to the lungs, heart and muscles.
Laughter boosts the immune system, too, by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.
Research has also shown laughter to be a pain reducer, as it can induce the body to produce a natural form of painkillers. This means laughter may ease bodily pain.
How laughter benefits mental health
Laughter has the ability to boost endorphins, which are chemicals naturally produced by the brain that trigger a “feel good” response. Things like exercise, music, and even scents also trigger endorphins. The release of endorphins caused by laughing gives the body a happy sense of well-being, which is why laughing can help with bonding.
Laughing is also a stress-reliever. It releases tension. It can relax muscles and increase blood circulation in the body, which in turn can lessen the physical feelings of stress. It has the ability to reduce stress hormones, such as cortisol. This can leave your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after, according to a 2023 study.
Finally, laughter can be a long-term coping mechanism. Some people laugh in tough or tense situations. It acts as a stress-reliever in the short-term, but long-term it can help people cope with difficult situations. If they are going through these issues with another person, laughing about something can help people bond on a deeper level.
So, with all that being said, how can you bring more laughter into your life? The best answer might be to spend more time with family and friends, even if that means hopping on a video call right now. You’re 30 times more likely to laugh when you’re with other people than when you’re alone. You can also try watching a silly movie or comedy special or give laughter yoga a go.
Go out and find the funny. After all, laughter is not only the best medicine, but it is also contagious.
Related:
- Is Laughing Good For You?
- How Does Stress Impact Our Heart Health?
- How I Coped With Grief After My Pet’s Death
Photo credit: Getty Images
