When was the last time you had a really good laugh?
 
The scientific definition of laughing is a “successive, rhythmic, spasmodic expiration with open glottis and vibration of the vocal cords, often accompanied by baring of the teeth and facial expression”. That doesn’t begin to tell the story of what laughing does for us, however. The bottom line is that laughing is medically beneficial.
 
Laughter establishes or restores a positive emotional climate and a sense of connection between two people. In fact, some researchers believe that the major function of laughter is to bring people together – the more social a person is and the more social support a person receives, the more likely that laughter will result from that social connection. Mutual laughter and play are an essential component of strong, healthy relationships. By making a conscious effort to incorporate more humor and play into your daily interactions, you can improve the quality of your relationships.
 
What are the Physical Effects of Laughing?
 
Laughing makes people feel good for a reason. Studies have shown that laughter boosts the immune system and triggers the release of pleasure-inducing neurochemicals in the brain. The immune system, which contains special cells that are responsible for defending the body against infection, have been shown to increase during the act of laughing. In the central nervous system, the brain releases powerful endorphins as a result of laughing. Endorphins are natural, morphine-like compounds that raise the pain threshold, produce sedation and induce euphoria (commonly called a “natural high”). In other words, we feel better when we laugh because endorphins reduce physical and mental pain. While this may be a wonderful feeling, laughing has other benefits as well:
 
During a laugh, respiration, heart rate and blood pressure temporarily rise. This causes oxygen to surge through the bloodstream that then results in lower blood pressure.
 
Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
 
Laughter reduces pain and allows toleration of discomfort.
 
Laughter reduces blood sugar levels, increasing glucose tolerance in diabetics and non-diabetics alike.
 
Laughter relaxes the whole body, relieving tension and stress. It has been shown that following a good, hearty laugh, muscles in the body are relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterward.
 
Laughing burns calories – laughter is sometimes referred to as “inner jogging”. A hearty laugh gives the muscles of the face, chest, shoulders, stomach and diaphragm a good workout.
 
Laughter also helps to create a positive mood. It allows the expression of happiness and the release of anxiety. Humor eases tension and is a great antidote to a stressful situation. Laughter is often seen as a temporary vacation from everyday problems, bringing us to a paradise in which worries do not exist. Humor and laughter are natural safety valves that shut off certain hormones that are released during stressful situations. In fact, your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health.
 
Here are some ways to bring more humor and laughter into your life:
 
Smile: Smiling is the beginning of laughter. Like laughter, it’s contagious. When you look at someone or see something even mildly pleasing, practice smiling!
 
Count your blessings: Literally make a list. The simple act of considering the good things in your life will distance you from negative thoughts that are a barrier to humor and laughter!
 
When you hear laughter, move toward it: People are very happy to share something funny because it gives them an opportunity to laugh again and feel the humor in it. When individuals hear laughter, they seek it out and ask “What’s funny?”
 
Spend time with fun, playful people: These are people who laugh easily, both at themselves and at life’s absurdities and who routinely find humor in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious!!
 
Bring humor into conversations: Ask people: What’s the funniest thing that happened to you today? This week? In your life?
 
Laugh at yourself: Share your embarrassing moments.
 
Attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them: Look for the humor in a bad situation, the irony and absurdity of life. This will help improve your mood and the mood of those around you.
 
Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up: Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family having fun.
 
Keep things in perspective: Many things are beyond our control, so make the best of a situation and find the positive in the situation.
 
Deal with stress: Stress is major impediment to humor and laughter.
 
Pay attention to children and emulate them: They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly and laughing!!
 
Here is a simple prescription for a healthy life:
 
Thirty minutes of exercise at least 3 times a week, and 15 minutes of laughter on a daily basis!!
 
The bottom line – laughter may just be the best medicine on the market today!
 

Helen Hunter, ACSW, LSW is an independent geriatric social worker consultant trainer and spiritual director. Ms. Hunter is also a published author and has had numerous articles published in local and national magazines and journals, focusing on elder care and family care issues. Helen served as the medical social worker and outreach coordinator for the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida in Naples, Florida, before returning with her family to her hometown in Central New Jersey in 2009 to care for her mother, who has Parkinson Disease. Ms. Hunter is licensed as a social worker in the states of New Jersey, Connecticut, New York and Florida and can be reached via e-mail at: helenmetsfan@hotmail.com.

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