Studies show that laughter is good for mental, cardiac and immune health –
Have you ever heard that laughter is the best medicine? The saying may sound optimistic, but science has shown that laughter is actually beneficial for mental health and well-being.
Laughter has significant positive effects on the body. It can increase blood circulation, improve tissue oxygenation and relax muscles. Studies show that laughter reduces the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increases the production of endorphins, promoting a feeling of well-being.
Smiling is a complex response that involves several regions of the brain, including the limbic system, which is related to emotions, and the prefrontal cortex, which deals with reasoning and decision-making.
When we find something funny, the brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and endorphins, which generate feelings of pleasure and reward. In addition, laughter can be triggered by social stimuli or contexts, which implies an interaction between our psyche, the environment and emotional experience.
In addition, laughter also reduces levels of cortisol and adrenaline, the stress hormones, and thus helps to lower tension, as well as promoting a feeling of relaxation.
By bringing this calming effect to the body, laughter and humor are natural tools for reducing the negative impact of stress and contributing to a more balanced life.
Here are 5 health benefits of laughter.
- Good for the heart
A study carried out by the University of Maryland and published in Science Daily showed that laughter is good for the heart and can prevent heart disease. According to the study, people with heart conditions were 40% less likely to laugh in various situations compared to healthy people of the same age.
Another study, carried out by Japanese researchers, analyzed data from 20,934 individuals aged 65 and over, who provided information on daily frequency of laughter, body mass index (BMI), demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as diagnoses of cardiovascular disease, depression and hyperlipidemia.
According to the researchers, daily frequency of laughter is associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, depression and body mass index.
- Helps control pain
Research carried out by scientists at Oxford University has shown that laughter releases protective endorphins, helping to control pain and promote feelings of well-being. The study suggests that just 15 minutes of good-natured, comedic moments with other people increases the pain threshold by an average of 10%.
Overall, laughter can act as an antidote to pain and promote a sense of relaxation, contributing positively to mental and emotional health.
- Strengthens social bonds
According to the neuroscientist, laughter acts as an important social facilitator, helping to strengthen bonds between individuals.
When we laugh together, we release hormones that increase the feeling of connection and empathy.
Studies indicate that laughter creates a more comfortable and cooperative environment, where people feel more comfortable interacting.
In addition, laughter can act as a signal that people are experiencing a positive moment together, fostering deeper interpersonal relationships, according to the expert.
- It can help combat depression and anxiety
Laughter can also help combat the symptoms of depression and anxiety. A systematic review gathered and summarized findings from studies examining the impact of humor therapy (such as medical clowning and laughter therapy/yoga) on people with depression or anxiety.
The review showed that laughter therapy can be a simple and viable complementary alternative in the treatment of these conditions.
Laughter has shown potential to combat symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can act as a coping mechanism that helps improve emotional resilience. The release of endorphins and the decrease in cortisol that occurs during and after laughter can help alleviate the symptoms of mood disorders.
In addition, the act of laughing often involves socialization, which in itself is a protective factor against loneliness and depression.”
- Helps improve the immune system and other body functions
According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, a non-profit medical services and hospital research organization in the United States, positive thoughts and laughter can release neuropeptides that help fight stress and improve the immune system.
CONCLUSION
Studies have shown that laughter can increase the production of antibodies and immune cells, strengthening the body’s immune response. In addition, stress reduction and the production of feel-good hormones can lead to improvements in various bodily functions, such as cardiovascular health and cell regeneration, contributing significantly to an overall positive state of health.
These findings reinforce that humor and laughter are important allies for a happier and healthier life. In addition, incorporating humor and seeking moments of lightness and laughter into our routine not only improves our mental health, but also enriches our relationships and helps us face challenges. Laughter, in the end, is a form of self-care and a natural way of relieving the tensions of modern life
