Laughter
" Laugh often. Laugh loudly. And most importantly, laugh at yourself"
Hi friend!
Laughing and belly laughing is my absolute favorite. I love to laugh until my ribs hurt, and not to mention, it is so essential for my mental health- and it reminds me- don’t take myself too damn seriously.
Laughter is a vital aspect of human life, and its significance extends far beyond mere entertainment. For thousands of years, versions of the saying “laughter is the best medicine” have emerged in religious, scientific and popular literature—and for good reason. Laughter helps our neurological, physical, emotional, cognitive and social health and well-being in multiple ways.
1. Laughing benefits you neurologically.
Evolutionarily, laughter is a signal that everything is okay and we can relax. Laughter is complex neurologically and engages many different parts of the brain. Depending on the duration and intensity of the laughter, several neurochemicals may be released. Studies have shown that serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins and even endogenous opioids can be released when we laugh.
2. Laughing improves your physical health.
Laughter decreases heart rate and blood pressure, relaxes muscle tension and is associated with improved immune functioning. It reduces the limbic “fight or flight” response and can reduce cortisol over time. And laughter can even strengthen and tighten your abs.
3. Laughing increases your emotional well-being.
The increased neurotransmitters of serotonin and dopamine found with laughter increase our emotional well-being and mental health. Mood can be better regulated with a regular hearty, boisterous burst of laughter. The overall physiological calming effects of laughter can also help ease anxiety.
4. Laughing benefits your cognitive function.
Even a short bout of laughter during the workday can allow people to think more clearly and creatively. Taking a few minutes here and there during your day to look at funny memes, trade “dad jokes” with your colleagues, or think about something funny that happened to you or in a movie can translate to increased cognitive function and productivity.
5. Laughing impacts your social health.
Laughing evolved as a social event. Laughter is found in all cultures, though what someone finds funny varies by social group. The oxytocin released during laughter is an important neurochemical part of human social bonding. If you laugh on a date, you’re more likely to have a second date. Social groups who laugh together develop strong bonds. Parents who laugh with their children tend to have better communication overall.
So, get laughing! Whether it’s “laugh therapy,” a weekly funny movie night, beginning a meeting with a G-rated joke, or fake laughing with someone until it becomes real, you have every reason to incorporate more laughter into your life to improve your health and well-being.
Are you laughing enough?
XO Jenna
