Experts suggest that incorporating laughter into your daily routine can have positive effects on your health and well-being.

Wonder why you feel better after a good laugh?

Studies show that laughter positively impacts mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Incorporating laughter into your daily routine could be an effective way to alleviate stress, pain, and challenges to your immune system.

According to health experts, laughter has therapeutic benefits, which is no laughing matter.

Why laughter matters

Taking simple steps to increase the number of smiles in your life can have a positive impact.

A family physician with Carbon Health in Boston, Michael Richardson, M.D., stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that people frequently disregard the advantages of laughter when making lifestyle adjustments to enhance their health.

"Studies demonstrate that laughter can decrease stress, enhance the immune system, and also relieve pain."

Richardson, a primary care doctor, advises patients to prioritize joy in their lives by emphasizing the importance of laughter.

The doctor suggested scheduling moments of laughter in your daily or weekly routine, just as you set aside time for exercise.

"Regularly practicing this could positively impact overall health."

How does laughter positively impact the body?

The body is receptive to laughter — here’s how it works.

According to Beth Oller, M.D., a family physician at Rooks County Health Center in Stockton, Kansas, the nervous system has two parts: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic.

The sympathetic nervous system triggers fight-or-flight responses, which are frequently activated due to the numerous concerns in our modern world.

The sympathetic nervous system's over-activation can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease, cancer, obesity, and other health problems, according to Oller.

"In contrast, our parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for calming our body, and activities such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and laughing can stimulate this system," the doctor stated.

"Cortisol, the stress hormone, is decreased by laughter, which helps reverse the stress response."

"Laughter is free, lacks side effects, and has psychological and physical benefits."

According to Oller, some early research suggests that laughter decreases stress hormones, reduces artery inflammation, and increases HDL, the "good cholesterol."

""Laughter promotes vasodilation, leading to improved blood flow and enhanced circulation, which has been linked to a lower prevalence of cardiovascular disease," the doctor stated."

Oller stated that research has demonstrated that laughter can ease pain by releasing endorphins, increasing circulation, and relaxing muscles.

According to an expert, laughing can increase your lifespan: "Studies show that consistent laughter decreases the risk of dying from any cause."

The role of laughter in mental health

According to Sara Brides, a licensed clinical social worker at Novant Health Cancer Institute in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the psychological benefits of laughter have been extensively studied.

""Reducing stress through laughter is beneficial, as our brains can handle stress, but prolonged stress response is not healthy," she said to Planet Chronicle Digital."

"One way to increase spontaneous laughter is to intentionally spend time with those you enjoy and who naturally make you laugh."

Laughter, especially when it's spontaneous or genuine, leads to the release of endorphins, a decrease in cortisol (stress hormone), and an increase in dopamine and serotonin (happy hormones).

Brides stated that dopamine is linked to feelings of reward, pleasurable sensations, and motivation, while serotonin is associated with happiness, reduced depression and anxiety, and enhanced learning and motivation.

Lightheartedness and joy can also be a bridge to better social outreach.

Spending time with loved ones who make you laugh intentionally can increase spontaneous laughter, according to Brides.

Long-term benefits

Consistent laughter could have long-term benefits, according to Mayo Clinic, and a quick dose of humor is a good start.

Immune system boost

The Mayo Clinic suggests that negative thoughts can trigger chemical reactions that lead to increased stress, but laughter may be a solution to improve overall health.

Improved outlook

The same source stated that laughter can facilitate coping with challenging circumstances and finding common ground with others.

Lighter mood

According to Mayo Clinic, laughter can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, and increase happiness by improving self-esteem.

Finding ways to add humor

To become proficient in humor, as stated by physician Oller in Kansas, consistent practice is essential.

Surrounding yourself with positive people who make you laugh or finding your own way to humor is what she suggested.

"The therapist suggested simple ways such as watching or reading something funny. She also mentioned a practice called laughter yoga, which involves focusing on breathing and simulating laughter."

"Enjoy shows that make you laugh and don't be afraid to laugh out loud. Watch a funny movie or a comedy show," Oller suggested. "My favorite way to guarantee a lot of laughing out loud is playing funny board games with friends and family."

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The therapist, in addition to advising brides, emphasized the significance of incorporating happiness and amusement into daily life.

"Laughter has no cost, produces no adverse effects, and offers both psychological and physical advantages."