The physical and mental health benefits of laughter
During lockdown it might have been harder to find those moments where we can enjoy the things that make us laugh, and meet those people that put a smile on our faces.
If you haven’t laughed as much since, it might be worth considering prescribing some laughter back into your life and not just because it is fun. Laughter and positive mood can have an impact on both your physical and mental health.
Studies have found that laughing could change the hormones that make you feel happy and content, improve your pain tolerance and memory. For example, if you have diabetes it may help suppress elevation of blood glucose. It can also have a positive impact on cardiovascular health and blood pressure. Amazingly, it can increase the number of antibody producing T cells in your body. Making us less likely to get colds and coughs.
Following research, it is commonly accepted that there are psychological benefits of laughing, such as improving affect (underlying experience of feeling, emotion or mood), depression, anxiety and stress.
Laughing and humour can be used to avoid issues that are painful to explore. So consider how laughing is or isn’t present in your life. If it is used as an unhealthy coping mechanism to avoid important issues or if it serves you well. We always aim for a healthy balance and taking a moment for healthy laughing might just be what you need to improve your physical and mental health.
Watch your favourite comedy show or keep following that account on social media that makes you laugh as you scroll or search for the Skype laughter chain to work up a giggle. If your relationship is under extra strain right now, you might want to remember what made you both laugh and respark what tickled your funny bones. Laugh to reconnect with your child after a draining day of homeschooling. There is also evidence that laughter yoga is effective in improving your overall health.
Ready to go and laugh? Then go for it! If it feels far from achievable then maybe it’s worth making a plan and committing to laughing. Louie, Brook and Frates (2016) propose a F.I.T.T. prescription:
Frequency: once a week
Intensity: belly laughing
Time: 30 minutes
Type: your favourite comedy show
Research suggests efficacious laughter treatment as once a week or less for 30-60 minutes, but 20 minutes can help too. The Intensity will largely depend on the moment and remains an open question. Ask yourself if you are open to testing something new, like laughter yoga, or if a Zoom session with friends, or watching the programme that is sure to make you chuckle feels more comfortable.
“There is not much to lose in laughing. No downsides, side-effects or risks, perhaps it is time to consider laughter seriously”
Louie, Brook & Frates (2016)
If making yourself laugh feels off the radar, then gift a laugh to someone else and know what a difference you are making to their health!
If making yourself laugh feels off the radar, then gift a laugh to someone else and know what a difference you are making to their health!
A quick poll of our team here at Talk in the Bay came up with some favourite jokes and cartoons. Try it with your own friends and family.
“How many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb?”
“I don’t know. How many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb?”
“Depends on whether the lightbulb is ready to change”
“Did you hear the one about the insomniac dyslexic agnostic who used to lie awake at night pondering the existence of dog?”
#counselingmemes #counseling #therapymemes #therapy #waiting
Posted by Counseling Memes on Monday, 25 May 2020
References and resources
The Laughter Prescription – Louie, Brook and Frates (2016)
Laughter Yoga Wellness London and UK – Corporate wellbeing specialist – Laughter Yoga and Meditation in the workplace – Laughter Yoga Training Academy and Gong Bath Meditation – Relax , De-stress , Re-energise , Boost Creativity , Boost Immune System , Enhance General Wellbeing , Motivate Staff , Team Building , Feel Better, Work Better, Work SmarterLaughter Really May Be The Best Medicine!
How laughter benefits blood pressure, memory & brain
The health benefits of laughter
Now there’s proof: laughter really is the best medicine
“Laugh and the whole world laughs with you”
