Laughter, a universal language that transcends cultures and eras, has been a cornerstone of human communication and interaction since the dawn of our species.
Completing our blog article part 1 "A Historical Journey about the enduring power of laughter", the following is the final part 2 . - Today, on the World Laughter Day (annual, 5th May) we take a look at the health benefits of laughing in our modern times.
part 2 ... The Science of Laughter ... Laughter as Medicine
DiPM-05052024 ... Modern science is shedding light on the profound impact laughter has on our mental and physical well-being. Here's a breakdown of the science behind laughter's healing power:
Our Mental State: Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also:
- Reduce stress hormones like cortisol, promoting relaxation ([1] and [2]).
- Improve cognitive function and memory [3].
- Boost feelings of happiness and well-being.
Emojies @ World Laughter Day 2024
What if ? - Suppressing Laughter: While laughter offers a multitude of benefits, suppressing it can have negative consequences. Social norms and situational contexts often dictate when laughter is appropriate. Stifling laughter in situations like a funeral or during a serious presentation can lead to:
- Increased anxiety and stress [4].
- Feeling disconnected from others.
- Difficulty coping with challenging emotions.
Medical Benefits: Research is increasingly recognizing laughter as a powerful tool for promoting well-being:
- Stress Reduction: A good laugh can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reducing stress and its associated health risks [5].
- Immune System Boost: Laughter may increase the production of antibodies, potentially strengthening the immune system [6].
- Pain Relief: Endorphins released during laughter can elevate pain tolerance [7].
Examples of Laughter in Action:
-
Therapeutic Clowns: Hospital clowns use humor and laughter to create moments of joy and connection for patients, promoting emotional well-being and potentially aiding recovery [8].
- Comedy: Stand-up routines and comedic performances provide a healthy outlet for stress relief and shared enjoyment.
Advertising and Laughter: Humor in advertising is a powerful tool for:
- Brand Awareness: Funny commercials are more likely to be remembered and create positive associations with the brand.
- Increased Sales: Humor can disarm consumers and make them more receptive to marketing messages.
What about Drugs and Laughter ? - While some recreational drugs can induce feelings of euphoria and laughter, these effects are often temporary and come with significant health risks. Laughter therapy offers a safe and natural way to experience the benefits of laughter.
Music and Laughter: Shared musical experiences can foster feelings of joy and togetherness, often leading to laughter and a sense of community.
World Laughter Day & Yoga: Celebrated annually on May 5th, the World Laughter Day is a global event promoting the power of laughter for peace and well-being. Laughter yoga [9], a combination of laughter exercises and yogic breathing, is a popular way to celebrate this day and experience the benefits of laughter.
Funny Videos: The rise of social media has seen an explosion of funny videos that can bring joy and laughter into our daily lives [10]. These short clips can be a powerful tool for boosting mood and promoting social connection.
Conclusion: Laughter is more than just a funny feeling. It's a powerful biological and social force that connects us, strengthens our well-being, and helps us navigate the complexities of life. - So, let loose, share a laugh, and experience the joy that laughter brings."
... back to part 1 of 2 - The Enduring Power of Laughter - A Historical Journey (register the free newletter to be informed, scroll down to bottom page)
Link Sources:
part 2 ...
- Endorphins and laughter
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins - Laughter and stress hormones
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037 - Laughter and cognitive function
https://denniseheckman.medium.com/how-laughter-increases-students-learning-and-memory-retention-ecc723a1b3b6 -
Laughter and anxiety
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456 -
Laughter and blood pressure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10178400/ -
Laughter and immune system
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686627/ -
Laughter and pain relief
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/newsfeed-post/laughter-is-the-best-medicine-1/ -
Therapeutic clowns
https://www.childrenshospital.org/patient-resources/while-you-are-here/creative-arts/laughter-league -
Laughter Yoga
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/laughing-yoga - Funny Fails @ Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5lIja-nGRU8
part 1 ..
- Laughter in hunter-gatherers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886913012816 - Newborns recognize smiles by 4 monthshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597649/
- Laughter in chimpanzees
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hhlHx5ivGGk - Laughter in ancient Egypt
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110683882/html - Laughter in ancient Greece
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle/ - Court Jesters in Medieval Europe
https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/jester-or-fool/327575 - Ritualisation of Laughter (by Karl Grammer, University of Vienna and Irenaus eibl-Eibesfeldt, January 1990)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229059946_The_ritualisation_of_laughter - Laughter in religious ceremonies
https://rofcourse.nd.edu/ - BBC2 / Open University: Extraordinary Rituals
https://connect.open.ac.uk/history-and-the-arts/extraordinary-rituals - Laughter in coming-of-age rituals
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1088868317734944 - Laughter in funeral rites
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-50041509
