Discover the Fascinating Effects of Laughter on Your Body
Medical Experts Detail How Laughter Boosts Health, Extends Lifespan, and Strengthens Muscles
Laughter isn't just fun; it's a powerful health booster that can help you live longer and feel stronger. Here, doctors shed light on the incredible benefits of a good giggle.
Even in the most somber moments, laughter has a unique way of breaking through. According to the Berkley Well-being Institute, the average person laughs about 20 times a day. But why does laughter feel so good, even in the darkest moments of life?
Clinical psychologist Steven M. Sultanoff, PhD, and former president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, suggests that dark humor is a common coping mechanism in stressful situations. He's a "clinical mirthologist" who prescribes humor to his patients, particularly those facing difficult times.
But why does humor help? Dr. Sultanoff explains, "Laughter is a complex physiological process that affects every part of your body, from your brain down." Here's a look at what's truly going on inside you when you chuckle, giggle, burst into laughter, or have a hearty guffaw.
How Laughter Affects Your Brain
When you laugh, your brain goes to work, releasing endorphins—your body's natural "feel-good chemicals." Karla Robinson, MD, explains that this release of endorphins instantly reduces stress and boosts your sense of happiness and well-being. Dr. Robinson emphasizes, "It ushers in a state of calm in your brain, setting off a chain of relaxation responses throughout your body." As you laugh, you'll also find yourself taking deeper breaths, allowing more oxygen to reach both your brain and body.
Dr. Sultanoff further points out that laughter serves as a powerful antidote to feelings of depression and anxiety. This is due to the flood of endorphins it triggers in the brain.
The Impact of Laughter on Your Eyes
Have you ever had such a good laugh that tears started flowing? Or perhaps you've cried so much that someone's humor brought a smile to your face? According to Dr. Robinson, intense emotions, like laughter, can stimulate the lacrimal glands in your eyes. These glands are responsible for producing tears, and they typically come into play when we experience strong emotions, such as happiness, sadness, joy, amusement, relief, or frustration.
But there's more to it than just emotional triggers. Laughter also involves the contraction of your facial muscles. This muscle action can indirectly put pressure on the tear ducts, causing a few tears to escape. So, whether it's the emotional depth of laughter or the physical response, your eyes can't help but get involved.
Laughter's Effect on Your Heart
When you laugh, it's not just your mood that's uplifted; your cardiovascular system gets in on the action too. Your heart rate temporarily increases, and your blood pressure rises, causing the circulation of extra-oxygenated blood throughout your brain and body. This surge of oxygenated blood contributes to the sense of euphoria many people feel during a good laugh.
Furthermore, according to Dr. Robinson, laughing is a fantastic way to promote heart health. She explains, "Persistent stress is one of the major risk factors for heart disease and other chronic health conditions. Incorporating daily laughter into your routine is one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to stay relaxed and manage stress, both in the moment and over the long term." So, laughter isn't just good for the soul; it's also a boon for your heart.
Laughter's Impact on Your Nervous System
Laughter can trigger the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are typically associated with the body's "fight or flight" response. Dr. Robinson points out that an ongoing production of cortisol isn't ideal for your body. However, when you laugh, these hormones are stimulated in small, manageable amounts. This leaves you feeling energized and actively engaged with your surroundings. Laughter offers a positive and non-threatening way for these hormones to work in your favor.
Laughter's Effect on Your Muscles
Ever had a good laugh that left your cheeks or abs feeling the burn? Well, it turns out that laughter is a bit of a workout. Dr. Robinson explains that a hearty laugh can burn around 40 calories in just 15 minutes, primarily by engaging your muscles.
When you laugh, it activates a variety of muscles, including those in your face, neck, chest, diaphragm, and abdominal area. According to Dr. Robinson, this muscle engagement can boost your circulation, enhance digestion, and even strengthen your immune system. So, the next time you find yourself laughing uncontrollably, know that your muscles are benefiting from the exercise too!
The Comprehensive Effects of Laughter on Your Body
Dr. Sultanoff emphasizes, "Scientific evidence now supports the profound impact of humor on the entire body." Some of these broad health advantages include:
- Enhanced well-being and emotional state, gradually reducing negative thought patterns.
- A fortified immune system, reducing the frequency of illness and accelerating recovery.
- Social connectedness, reinforcing your relationships and alleviating feelings of loneliness.
In conclusion, laughter is indeed a remarkable form of medicine, benefiting us physically, emotionally, cognitively, and socially. To experience its full effects, the simple task for your day is to find something that tickles your funny bone and then share that laughter with someone else. It's not only a gift to yourself but also to those around you, spreading joy and promoting health one laugh at a time.
