Alison talks about the Stress relief from laughter
I have recently had the pleasure of spending time in the company of someone who is very funny. I laughed, giggled and guffawed a lot and was very aware that I felt, well, happy.
I was reminded of the old saying ‘laughter is the best medicine’. So, is there science behind this saying? Yes, there is, and it turns out that happiness is laughter’s mental power. Laughter, in response to funny events, actually takes a lot of work, because it activates many areas of the brain: areas that control motor, emotional, cognitive, and social processing. .
A quick google scholar search highlighted numerous studies including one looking at the effects of laughter yoga in reducing the perceived stress and burnout levels in nurses during the pandemic and in increasing their life satisfaction. The conclusion showed that Laughter yoga is an effective method to reduce perceived stress and burnout while also increasing life satisfaction. .
The short-term benefits when you start to laugh not only lightens the mental load but induces physical changes in the body. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins (our natural happy hormones) that are released by your brain. .
A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? a good, relaxed feeling. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
In the long-term laughter may: -
- Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system which in turn can negatively impact your cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
- Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. .
- Increase personal satisfaction. A good sense of humour and the laughter that follows depends on an ample measure of social intelligence and working memory resources. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. Laughter creates bonds and increase intimacy with others.
- Improve your mood. Laughter can improve your mood and make your physical and emotional response to stress less intense. Laughing may help control brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, this is similar to the job of antidepressants and can help lessen your stress, depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your self-esteem. .
I have an appalling memory for jokes and admire anyone that can recite jokes, story tell and make others laugh. I am therefore forced to turn to this year’s winner of the best joke at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which went to Masai Graham…..
