Why Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine
By: Marcela Camargo and Kimberly McIntyre
There are more than 6,000 languages spoken in the world today. However, there is one specific language that every human being on the planet can speak, regardless of their ethnicity and geographic location: laughter.
While humor varies among cultures, laughing is one of those things that makes us human. In fact, most humans begin laughing when they are just little babies, and with no apparent reason.
However, as we get older, the frequency of laughter tends to decrease compared to our younger years. Research shows that children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults laugh only about 15 times a day. This could be in part because we start experiencing more “serious” matters associated with adulthood. For example, financial stresses, health problems, extreme workload, and having to deal with other demands. Furthermore, we are now living in a time where everybody seems to be busier than ever. So, who has time to laugh anyway?
While it may seem hard to laugh when we are going through a hard time or when we are just too focused on “adulting,” it is imperative that we make time to laugh more. For starters, laughter can actually help us release some of that “adulthood stress,” and provide us with several more health benefits that can help us live a longer and happier life.
THE BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER
Laughing not only feels good, it also helps our mind and body function more optimally. Here are some of the health benefits of laughter:
Relieves stress and tension: Laughter helps reduce the stress hormones (known as cortisol) and epinephrine (known as adrenaline.) At the same time, it increases our levels of endorphins which are our “feel-good” hormones. Laughing provides both a physical and emotional release.
Improves the immune system and relieves pain: As mentioned above, laughter helps increase our levels of endorphins which are in charge of relieving pain and making us feel good. Furthermore, when we live stressful lives and are deprived of laughter, our immune system weakens. What better way to relieve stress and therefore, reduce our chances of getting sick than by living a life full of laughs?
Ab workout: Have you ever laughed so hard that your stomach hurts? Well, that’s because it is a workout. Laughing gives us an internal workout by contracting our diaphragm. Plus, when we laugh, our heart rate increases. Talk about some cardio!
Helps us connect with others: There is something about laughing with others that is just priceless. Laughter is contagious, so when we get to share a laugh with others, it just helps us connect with other human beings on a deeper level.
WAYS TO INCREASE LAUGHTER
The best kinds of laughs happen when you least expect them. However, it is important for our health to make those laughs happen — as frequently as possible.
Here are some things you can do to improve your laugh count.
Social media: Nowadays, access to laughter is just one click away. The Internet is filled with funny videos, memes, joke websites, and comedy podcasts. It doesn’t matter your age or your specific humor, you can count on always finding something that will adjust to your personal preferences.
Learn to laugh about your own life: All humans go through hardships and obstacles. While some matters need to be addressed in a serious manner, there are other daily occurrences that really just deserve a laugh. Did you spill your coffee this morning? Did you trip over a rock? Laughing about those little annoyances can make life much more enjoyable.
Go to a comedy show: If you are determined to laugh, then why not go straight to the experts? Going to a comedy show is always a good idea. Plus, there is something about laughing along with a crowd that just makes everything so much funnier.
TV shows & movies: There are many comedy movies and TV shows available for when you need a mood boost, and a good laugh. The options are endless.
Surround yourself with friends: When we are surrounded by people, especially our family or friends, the chances of getting a good laugh increase. Nothing beats the stomach ache you get from laughing too hard with your friends.
Researchers for the American Journal of Lifestyle Magazine said it best: “While more research must be done, it is also important to acknowledge there is not much to lose in laughing. With no downsides, side-effects, or risks, perhaps it is time to consider laughter seriously.”
That’s right, laughter is free and available to all. So, I encourage you to make it your mission to increase those laughs in the name of health.
After all, laughter really might be the best medicine!