Have you ever experienced a moment where you laughed so hard that it caused physical discomfort in your stomach Although the feeling can be intense, there is strong scientific evidence to support the idea that laughter can produce beneficial effects for both physical and mental well-being.The age-old saying “laughter is the best medicine” has some scientific evidence to back it up. Laughter has the potential to improve our mental and physical health, from boosting our mood to reducing pain. With World Laughter Day on May 7th, we explore the positive effects of laughing and how it can activate both our body and brain to bring happiness and improve overall well-being.Image source: mm.bing.netScientists have been fascinated by the effects of laughter on the body for a long time and have conducted numerous studies on the topic. Consistently, these studies have found that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which have pain-relieving effects similar to natural painkillers. According to a research paper published in the National Library of Medicine, laughter in a social setting can effectively increase an individuals pain threshold. The paper highlights that the act of laughing alone appears to be sufficient to raise the threshold for pain, and this pain-tolerance effect is caused by laughter itself and not solely due to a change in positive emotions.Laughing can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health by reducing stress and anxiety. It has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which are associated with stress, and can potentially lead to lower blood pressure and improved blood flow, according to the American Heart Association. This suggests that laughing may have a protective effect against heart attacks and strokes.Laughing can also play an important role in fostering social connections and relationships, beyond just the health benefits. Whether its sharing a joke or finding humour in a shared experience, laughing with friends or colleagues can help create a sense of camaraderie and strengthen interpersonal bonds.A study published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior revealed that laughter can serve as a significant social bond, as people who share laughter tend to develop stronger connections. Laughing together can signify a shared perspective and understanding, accelerating the process of developing closer relationships.Image Source: mm.bing.netGetting more laughsIf youre looking for a good laugh, there are many things that can make you smile throughout the day. Here are some scientifically supported methods to help you burst into laughter.Laughter YogaThe practice of laughter yoga, where individuals laugh together in a group setting, has been shown to have positive effects on mood and stress levels, as well as other benefits, according to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Even if the concept of laughing with a group of people while lying on yoga mats doesnt sound funny, the breathing and laughter prompts given during the class may still elicit a good laugh.Fake it till you make itOn World Laughter Day, why not try laughing out loud for no reason According to a study led by Stanford University, fake smiling can actually make you feel genuinely happier. Once you start laughing, your body might be tricked into thinking that youre experiencing something funny, and people around you might also start laughing with you. So the next time youre feeling down, try putting on a smile and see if it helps improve your mood.Seek out humourIn case none of the above methods work, you can try watching a stand-up comedy special on Netflix or binge-watching your favourite comedy series to lift your spirits. According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, watching a 30-minute comedy stimulates the brains reward system and releases endogenous opioids. Additionally, laughing with friends in a social setting increases the release of even higher levels of positive brain chemicals.
