Mental Health Benefits of Laughter
Dr. Sohail Nibras is a psychiatrist practicing in Sugar Land, TX. Dr. Nibras is a medical doctor specializing in the care of mental health patients. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Nibras diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Dr. Nibras may treat patients through a variety of methods including medications, psychotherapy or talk... more
Reduces Stress
Laughter has been found to reduce cortisol levels, known as the stress hormone, and this positively impacts our mental health. In other words, laughter can help us build up our stress resilience, enabling us to stay relaxed and focused. When we laugh, our muscles contract and release, which has a physiological soothing effect on our body, similar to the stress-busting techniques used in progressive muscle relaxation. Biochemically, laughter also helps to reduce stress levels.
Releases Endorphins
When we burst out laughing, our body releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that trigger a sense of well-being and alleviate stress. This leads to a feeling of happiness and relaxation that can boost our overall mental health.
Decreases Anger
When we experience anger and conflict, it can often lead to negative emotions that can have an impact on both our mental and physical health. However, by providing a humorous perspective on situations, laughter can help defuse these emotions. Therefore, it can potentially decrease feelings of anger, conflict, and self-blame.
Laughing May Lessen Sensations of Pain
A study published in Current Research in Physiology shows that laughter can naturally alleviate pain. In one study, participants were asked to submerge their hands in ice water until they could no longer bear the pain. After this, they were subjected to a situation that made them laugh. Following the laughter-inducing activity, the participants were asked to put their hands back in the ice water. Surprisingly, they were able to endure the pain for longer periods compared to before the laughter intervention.
Eases Distressing Emotions
The benefits of laughter have the power to counteract intense emotions such as anxiety, sadness, and grief. It helps us positively release these emotions, making us feel better and more relaxed. Laughter reduces stress and boosts our energy levels, leading to increased focus and revitalization.
Laughter Strengthens the Lungs and Boosts Immunity
Laughter is more than just a way to pass the time – it can improve your physical health, too. Research has shown that humor can increase your lung capacity, filling your body with oxygen-rich air. Laughing has been found to boost the effectiveness of certain immune cells, according to Dr. King. Research even noted that laughing can increase the levels of these immune cells for up to 12 hours.
Changes Your Perspective
Humor helps us see situations in a more realistic and less threatening light. As a result, this can help us avoid feeling overwhelmed or anxious. When we can find the humor in a situation, we can begin to see it in a new and less scary way.
Laughter and Comedy as Therapy
Laughter is a helpful therapy for those experiencing mental health problems. Laughter therapy incorporates humor to assist people in coping with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. By eliciting laughter and positive emotions, it promotes an enhanced mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
