You’ve probably heard that laughter is the best medicine. And this isn’t an exaggeration; laughter, when genuine, has enormous healing powers, with no adverse effects. Furthermore, having a sense of humor can not only heal your body but also allow you to face adversity with greater fortitude and emerge stronger from it. In fact, laughter is so important that hundreds of studies have been devoted to evaluating its impact on our physical and emotional health. These studies reveal good reasons to face life with a smile on our faces.
What are the main benefits of laughter for our physical and mental health?
1. Improves blood vessel function
A study conducted at the University of Maryland found that laughter activates the dilation of the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels, increasing blood flow. Therefore, it can be concluded that laughter helps maintain a healthy endothelium and protects our cardiovascular health, acting as a protective factor against heart and brain diseases caused by insufficient blood flow.
2. Boosts emotional health
A study conducted at Stanford University found that laughter and a sense of humor in general activate the emotional reward centers in the brain, which release dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of pleasure. It also increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that generates feelings of tranquility, and enhances the release of endorphins, which help us cope with pain and generate a state of euphoria.
3. Increase your attractiveness
A study conducted at the University of Western Ontario found that men with a sense of humor are more attractive to women. Likewise, men are more attracted to women who laugh at their jokes. This isn’t surprising, since laughter helps break the ice and brings people closer together in social situations, making both feel more at ease. However, laughter not only increases our attractiveness as potential partners but also increases our chances of getting a job, according to research conducted at Emerson College .
4. It makes you someone trustworthy
It is hypothesized that before humans developed language, they already laughed. Therefore, smiling has always been a signal that tells us we can approach someone. A genuine smile sends the message that we are trustworthy and willing to cooperate. A study conducted at the University of Liverpool showed that people who smile frequently are rated as more extroverted, generous, and trustworthy. In fact, economists consider smiling to be a great asset. A study conducted at Oxford University revealed that when a person smiles, the trust they inspire in others automatically increases by 10%.
5. Reduces stress and anxiety levels
Victor Hugo famously said that “laughter is the sun that drives winter away from the human face ” And now dozens of studies have revealed that humor is a fundamental element of resilience. People who are not intimidated by problems and who grow stronger in the face of misfortune are those who are able to laugh at themselves and face life with a sense of humor. Furthermore, laughter immediately improves our mood, producing a feeling of joy and relaxation. A study conducted at Oxford University also revealed that laughter is a natural analgesic, increasing our threshold for perceiving pain, making it easier for us to endure it.
6. Facilitates insight
When we’re nervous, our attention span narrows; we stop noticing many of the things happening around us. Therefore, when we’re stressed, many ideas escape our awareness. However, to achieve insight, to discover a brilliant solution, the exact opposite is necessary: to be relaxed and grasp those “peripheral” ideas. In fact, a study conducted at the University of North Carolina found that smiling increases our attentional flexibility and enhances our ability to think holistically. In practice, when we laugh, we’re better at seeing the forest, rather than focusing only on the trees.
7. It is beneficial for the respiratory system
Laughter is the simplest and quickest way to regulate breathing and cleanse the lungs. A deep, prolonged laugh immediately increases heart and breathing rates, as well as oxygen consumption. Prolonged laughter eliminates waste air from the lungs and fills them with clean, oxygen-rich air. Simply put, laughter helps us breathe better and deeper. It’s no wonder that laughter yoga has recently developed, designed to recharge the body by regulating airflow while inducing a feeling of energy, calm, and focus.
P.S.: “When you get older you don’t stop laughing, but stopping laughing makes you grow older,” said Balzac.
References:
Dunbar, R. et. Al. (2012) Social laughter is correlated with an elevated pain threshold. Proc Biol Sci; 279(1731): 1161-1167.
Johnson, K. J. et Al. (2010) Smile to see the forest: Facially expressed positive emotions broaden cognition. Cognition and Emotion; 24(2): 299-321.
Miller, M. et. Al. (2009) The Effect of Mirthful Laughter on the Human Cardiovascular System. Med Hypotheses; 73(5): 636.
Mehu, M. et Al. (2007) Smiles when sharing. Evolution & Human Behavior; 28(6): 415-422.
Bressler, E. R., et al. (2006) Production and appreciation of humor as sexually selected traits. Evolution and Human Behavior; 27(2): 121–130.
Mobbs, D. et al. (2003) Humor modulates the mesolimbic reward centers. Neuron; 40(5):1041-1048.
Scharlemann, J. et Al. (2001) The value of a smile: Game theory with a human face. Journal of Economic Psychology; 22(5): 617–640.
Filippelli, M. et. Al. (2001) Respiratory dynamics during laughter. J Appl Physiol; 90 (4): 1441-1446.
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