A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Jane Thrall
You’ve undoubtedly heard the expression, “laughter is the best medicine.”
Finding humour in an uncomfortable situation can help offset the associated anxiety or stress. But can humour actually be a form of medicine?
Numerous recent studies show that laughter does more than just boost mood — it improves blood circulation, helps lower blood pressure, relaxes muscles, increases endorphin release, and reduces cortisol levels. Humour also supports immune function and enhances resistance to disease.
Cortisol, a steroid hormone linked to the body’s “fight or flight” response, can be harmful in excess, contributing to weight gain, inflammation, and elevated blood pressure. A review of eight studies published in the Public Library of Science on laughter-based interventions found an average 31.9% reduction in cortisol levels compared to control groups. These interventions included watching humorous videos, working with a laughter therapist, or following a self-directed laughter program.
Other studies highlight laughter’s benefits for mental health, showing improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality among patients undergoing medical treatments. For example, patients receiving laughter therapy in tandem with chemotherapy or hemodialysis experienced significant reductions in depression, while laughter therapy also led to notable decreases in anxiety when used alongside standard care for anxiety and depression.
Social laughter, the sort we experience with friends and family, has been shown to increase pain thresholds and decrease discomfort levels in numerous investigations. This can be important for those going through trauma or undergoing physical therapy.
How can you take advantage of this natural health booster? Here are some practical tips I’ve compiled from my research that’ll have you laughing all the way to the bank, with health as your greatest asset.
Fake it ’til you make it. You may not feel like laughing, but making a conscious effort to smile may actually lead to a chuckle or two. Be willing to let that snicker out, even if you feel silly doing it. Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
Start at home. When I need a good laugh I find that scrolling through humorous pet videos will usually satisfy my funny bone. We all have a few TV programs that are guaranteed to bring a smile to our faces, so search those out and turn them on. Remember that many of the classics are still available on alternate media sources, so if you enjoy the older programs from the twentieth century, search for those.
Hang with friends. Some friends have a special ability to bring joy and laughter with them wherever they go. Surrounding yourself with people who make you smile is the key to feeling more joyful. Comedian Victor Borge believed that, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”
Embrace family connections. Our memories with family aren’t always full of sunshine and roses, but there are usually some funny times we can reflect on for a good laugh. Finding those memories and looking back on them with a sense of humour can help strengthen the family bond while tickling the funny bone.
Take a specialized course. Laughter yoga, anyone? I’ve never tried it, but apparently it can have long-lasting positive effects on health. I’ve done yoga with kittens and I can assure you it brought a huge smile to my face and plenty of laughter.
Consider therapy. Some mental health professionals and life coaches offer special programs that encourage clients to embrace laughter. Known as laughter therapy, this treatment integrates humour and laughter exercises into sessions.
Attend comedy events. Phyllis Diller once said, “I’m at an age where my back goes out more than I do.” Whether it’s a movie or a comedy show, a night out at a special event that’s bound to make you laugh can be a great way to bring the laughter to the surface. Maybe you’re even the type to give stand-up comedy a try? Some workshops teach improv and comedic writing in a group dynamic and some even cater to seniors. Open mic comedy nights may be your ticket to a dose of happiness if you’re adventurous.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Humorist Erma Bombeck once said, “If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it.” Reflect on the humorous side of events rather than the downside. We all make mistakes, whether it’s battling technology or dealing with physical challenges. Embracing humour can be an effective coping mechanism.
Jane Thrall enjoys a good laugh, especially at her own expense.
She’s retired and living her best life while trying not to take herself too seriously.