The Power of a Good Laugh: Why laughter is the best therapy for your mind

Human beings communicate primarily through speech, but we also communicate through different vocal behaviors, such as screaming, sobbing, laughing, or smiling. Laughter is a universal emotional expression and is also commonly encountered in non-verbal communication. It is a contagious behavior, meaning that you might have noticed yourself smiling after seeing a group of people laughing together. Laughter, being a social emotion, helps maintain social bonds. It is also a natural remedy for mental health, aiding in both physical and mental health conditions.
Laughter is very good for health because it relaxes the entire body and mind at the same time. A good, hearty laugh can relieve physical tension and stress, leaving the muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes. Laughter boosts the immune system. It regulates the stress hormones, decreasing cortisol levels, which increases immune cell function and infection-fighting antibodies, improving resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of natural endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that impact our overall sense of well-being and reduce pain.

So, how does laughter help us?

According to Dr. Santosh Chavan, Consultant, Mental Health, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, “By laughing or smiling, you increase your oxygen intake, which leads to the release of chemicals like endorphins, often referred to as the “happy hormone,” giving you a sense of pleasure and relaxation of the mind. It also helps in reducing bodily tension and stress. If we talk more about the chemicals in our body, laughter also helps in reducing cortisol levels or adrenaline, which are considered stress hormones. Reducing cortisol levels decreases mental stress and lowers blood pressure.”

Consider an example: You had a stressful meeting with your boss, and after coming out of that meeting, you had a chat with your friends, and they cracked a joke. How did you feel? You likely felt better, right? This is because humor or laughter helps improve self-esteem. In the short term, laughter helps downregulate negative thoughts and upregulate positive emotions, thus boosting self-esteem and confidence. It also helps decrease depressive personality traits.

Laughter increases blood flow to the heart, which helps protect against heart attacks and cardiovascular problems. Laughter also burns calories, working like both a mental and physical workout. It also helps to improve the happy hormone, relaxes the mind, improves mood, and increases resilience. It can also positively impact our relationships, and it is a very good cure for multiple stress-related mental illnesses. These days, we have many laughter clubs that energize people early in the morning with their laughter, similar to

laughter yoga

.

How do we increase laughter?

We spend time with people who make us laugh. We can watch funny movies or read funny anecdotes. We can read funny books and articles, play games, and do other activities that we enjoy. We must learn to laugh at our situation and ourselves. Making time for fun and laughter can have a significant impact. We can join laughter clubs, where people teach us how to laugh continuously and heartily.

Laughter is the best medicine for mental health

According to Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, “Laughter truly is a powerful medicine. It fosters connection, triggering healthy physical and emotional responses within us. By strengthening our immune system, boosting mood, and easing pain, laughter protects against the harmful effects of stress.”
Nothing is more effective in restoring mind-body balance than a hearty laugh. Humor alleviates burdens, strengthens our bonds with others, and keeps us grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps us release anger and cultivate forgiveness more readily.

Laughter strengthens your lungs

Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins released by your brain. Endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, and laughter also reduces levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen stress, depression, and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your self-esteem. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its natural painkillers.

Better sleep

Laughter offers another significant physical benefit: improved sleep quality. A small-scale study demonstrated this effect in residents of a long-term care facility. Participants engaged in 40-minute

laughter therapy

sessions twice weekly for four weeks. During this period, they experienced an improvement in both their sleep quality and overall mood, including a reduction in feelings of depression.
Laughter is contagious. You’re many times more likely to laugh around other people than when you’re alone. And the more laughter you bring into your own life, the happier you and those around you will feel. Laughter takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, and joyful perspective.
Over the long run, laughter helps in managing workplace demands, fosters good working relationships with colleagues, and improves morale at work. It also helps manage burnout in the workplace, contributing to overall progress. Humor serves as an emotion-focused coping strategy, reducing day-to-day stressful emotions. Having a good laugh every day helps manage stressful situations, promoting both physical and mental health.