Prescription for Laughter

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Do a quick google search and you will find hundreds of articles by that name chronicling scientific studies proving what social wisdom has known all along: laughter literally heals us.

Contrary to what you might think, Gelotology is not the study of hair gel. It is the study of the psychological and physiological effects of laughter. (Yes, there is actually a name for it!) Gelotologists have found that while an individual’s sense of humor may differ from the next person’s, the effect a good laugh has on our mental and physical health is the same for everyone.

In one study, participants were randomly selected to watch a comedy or a drama. After viewing, the participants who watched the comedy exhibited lowered blood pressure and dilated capillaries. Other studies show that laughing promotes immune system functioning, making it less likely that we will to fall victim to illness or disease.

Laughing also gives our bodies an aerobic workout similar to that achieved through sports and other cardio vascular activities. Laughter strengthens and conditions the facial, leg, abdominal and back muscles, through involuntary muscle contractions, hence the terms “knee slapper,” and “side splitter.”

Psychologically, laughing increases our sense of hope and promotes positive thinking, making stressful situations seem less daunting. A good laugh further reduces stress by releasing endorphins, also known as the body’s “feel good” hormones, which contributes to an overall sense of well being with the suppression of the autonomic nervous system. This relaxing of the muscles and connective tissues of the body brings relief from the chronic tension that is often responsible for muscle pain and tightness.
Laughing with others creates connections and facilitates social bonding, which can offset feelings of isolation linked to depression.

The best part about laughter is that you can fake it ‘til you make it. The brain can’t tell the difference between artificial or induced laughing and authentic laughing and releases the “happy” hormones regardless. If you would like to experience the various health benefits of laughter, try this simple exercise, from body-mind fitness pioneers and creators of the Nia Technique, Debbie and Carlos Rosas:

Lie down on the floor on your back and begin to chuckle to yourself (it might help to imagine something that is funny to you). Keep laughing for 15 seconds, then sit up and laugh for another 15 seconds. Come up to a standing position (still laughing) for another 15 seconds. Then come back down on the floor on your stomach and keep laughing for another 15 seconds.

Repeat the process a few times and notice what feels different in your body and your mind. By the way, don’t be afraid to get your family or friends involved. Laughter is contagious and pretty soon you’ll all be rolling and having a great time.