Laughter: The Best Medicine?

We’ve heard the phrase laughter is the best medicine before.

But does laughing actually provide health benefits?

It turns out that it actually does. Laughing can improve your health. So much so that “Laughter Therapy” has actually been prescribed by some doctors.

Laughter actually reduces cortisol levels in the bloodstream. Cortisol is often referred to as “The Stress Hormone”. While cortisol is certainly necessary – it is the hormone that literally gets you out of bed in the morning – unnecessary high levels really just stress us out.

Additionally, endorphins are released when we laugh and dopamine levels rise. Both of which make us feel good.

This study also looked at laughter therapy by exposing senior subjects to stand-up comedy for 4 weeks. The researchers found a reduction in systolic blood pressure and resting heartrate, along with increased serotonin levels and reduce symptoms of depression.

I’ve been familiar with the benefits of laughter for a while, but I always wondered if laughing on your own for no reason had the same effect as being exposed to something funny and laughing as a natural reaction.

This study here looked into this for me. 😀

The theory “Motion Creates Emotion Theory” states that the body does not know the difference between intentionally laughing and reacting with a laugh to something a person finds funny. Unfortunately there isn’t a ton of research on this BUT there are still positive results.

Intentionally laughing will reduce your blood pressure and lower cortisol levels.  Additionally, intentionally laughing causes a reduction in depression levels and overall life satisfaction.

I’ve already written about the health benefits of breathing techniques. These benefits are similar to the intentional laughing benefits.

So what do we do with this information?

When you’re stressed, frustrated, or need a little boost, try this. LAUGH.

Seriously. Let it rip. It may feel weird at first but you’ll be glad you did it. It doesn’t have to be a crazy long-winded laugh either – just enough to lower the blood pressure, cortisol levels, and bring up a boost in feel good hormones.

Additionally consider consuming some form of media that makes you laugh. Find your favorite comedian, show, or even meme account that gives you a good chuckle.

You’ll be glad you did.