Why does laughing a lot make you feel better?
There is reliable evidence that laughter improves many aspects of mental, emotional, and physical health.
If you're experiencing stress, pain, or immune system challenges, finding ways to incorporate laughter into your daily life can be an effective treatment.
Do women need more sleep than men? Here's what the experts say
Health experts say humor and laughter are good medicine, and they're not kidding.
Why is laughter important?
Simple, actionable steps to bring more smiles into your life can make a difference.
“People often overlook the benefits of laughter,” said one doctor. “Research shows that laughter can reduce stress, boost immunity, and even help relieve pain.” (St. Petersburg)
“When thinking about lifestyle changes to improve health, people often overlook the benefits of laughter,” Dr. Michael Richardson, a family physician at Carbon Health in Boston, told FOX News Digital.
“Research shows that laughter can reduce stress, boost immunity, and even help relieve pain.”
As a primary care physician, Richardson encourages her patients to prioritize the joys of life. He said laughter is a great way to do that.
Brazilian study finds 'laughter therapy' reduces risk of heart disease: 'Can't wait to see'
“Just like you set aside time for exercise each week, it may be worth scheduling moments of laughter into your daily or weekly routine,” says the doctor.
“Making this a regular habit may have a protective effect on your overall health.”
What kind of positive effects does laughter have on the body?
Your body is designed to accept laughter. Here's how it works:
Beth Oler, M.D., a family physician at Rooks County Health Center in Stockton, Kan., said there are two parts of the nervous system: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, and “with all the things to worry about in today's world, many people activate this response frequently.”
An overactive sympathetic nervous system can increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and other diseases, experts said. (St. Petersburg)
An overactive sympathetic nervous system can increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and other diseases, Ohler said.
“On the other hand, it is the parasympathetic nervous system that calms our bodies, and exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and laughter activate this system,” the doctor continued.
“Laughing reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which helps reverse the stress response.”
“Laughter is free, has no side effects, and has psychological and physical benefits.”
Ohler says some early research has shown that laughter reduces stress hormones, reduces inflammation in the arteries, and increases HDL, the “good cholesterol.”
“Laughter increases blood flow and oxygen uptake and is therefore associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease,” the doctor added. “Laughter promotes vasodilation, which leads to improved blood flow and increases circulation.”
Bride's father forgets his daughter and 'fumbles' on wedding day
Ohler added that laughter has also been shown to reduce pain by releasing endorphins, stimulating circulation and relaxing muscles.
Laughing may even extend your lifespan, experts said: “Regular laughter has been found to be associated with lower all-cause mortality.”
The role of laughter in mental health
The psychological effects of laughter have been studied for some time, said Sarah Bride, a licensed clinical social worker who treats patients at Novant Health Cancer Institute in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
“Laughter reduces stress,” she told FOX News Digital. “Our brains can handle stress, but prolonged stress responses are not healthy.”
“One way to increase spontaneous laughter is to intentionally spend time with people you enjoy and who make you laugh naturally.”
When someone laughs, especially if it's spontaneous or heartfelt, endorphins are released, cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases, and dopamine and serotonin (the happy hormones) increase.
“Dopamine is associated with a sense of reward, a sense of well-being, and motivation, while serotonin is associated with a sense of well-being, reduced depression and anxiety, learning and motivation,” Blythe added.
“Watch funny shows and don't be afraid to laugh out loud,” the expert advised. (St. Petersburg)
Ease and joy can also serve as a bridge to better social contribution.
“One way to increase spontaneous laughter is to intentionally spend time with people you enjoy and who make you laugh naturally,” Bride says.
long term benefits
According to the Mayo Clinic, a quick dose of humor is a good start, but continuing to laugh can have long-term benefits, including:
Strengthening the immune system
According to the Mayo Clinic, negative thoughts can create chemical reactions that can affect your body by creating more stress, which means laughter can be a way to improve your health.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Improved outlook
The same source also says that laughter makes it easier to deal with difficult situations and reach common ground with others.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
bright mood
According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter can increase your sense of well-being by reducing stress, depression, and anxiety, and boosting your self-esteem.
find ways to add humor
Like many things in life, humor is a skill, and practice is the key to mastering it, said Kansas doctor Oller.
She suggested surrounding yourself with people who are positive and make you laugh, or finding your own form of humor.
Experts say going to a comedy show is a great way to promote “laughter therapy.” (St. Petersburg)
“An easy way is to watch or read something interesting,” the therapist said. “There's even a practice now called laughter yoga that focuses on breathing and imitating laughter.”
“Watch a show that makes you laugh and don't be afraid to laugh out loud. Go see a funny movie or comedy show,” Ohler suggested. “My favorite way to laugh out loud is to play funny board games with friends and family.”
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health
The bride, a therapist, also emphasized the importance of finding ways to incorporate joy and laughter into your life.
“Laughter is free, has no side effects, and has psychological and physical benefits.”
