A Dose Of Laughter: Know Benefits Of A Good Laugh On Mind And Body

Laughter Day: Martin Seligman, a positive psychologist, worked on happiness and found out that cultivating positive emotions can bring about a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Laughter Day: Whether you are watching a funny video, sharing a joke, guffawing at your favourite sitcom, or giggling at cartoons- laughter does miracles in all spheres of life and also has a number of physical and emotional benefits. Martin Seligman, a positive psychologist, worked on happiness and found out that cultivating positive emotions through practicing gratitude, engaging in creative endeavours, building social connections and other means can bring about a sense of fulfillment and joy.

 

Benefits Of A Good Laugh On Human Body And Mind:

 

While having a good laugh, our body performs a series of activities which results in its well-being in the moment. Aparupa Ojha who is a clinical psychologist at Monoshij said, "Cultivating positive emotions can reduce stress, improve mental health, and can make a person more empathetic and compassionate towards others."

 

It is also found that our emotional states are also related to our physical wellbeing.

 

Explaining this, Aparupa said, "Many studies in the field of psychoneuroimmunology suggests that positive emotions such as joy can be associated with enhanced immune function. Similarly, people suffering from chronic stress, clinical depression and other mental health concerns can weaken their immune function, thereby making them more susceptible to physical illness."

 

• Physical Benefits:

 

Talking about the physical benefits of a good laugh, Kesha P. Bhavsar, who is a Psychologist at Mpower Helpline, Mumbai said, "To begin with, laughter secretes endorphins which are also known as body’s natural feel good chemicals. This not only helps in promoting an overall sense of well-being but also ensures temporary relief from pain."

 

"A regular laughter has the potential to regulate other bodily functions and reduce heart risks. Laughter can potentially stimulate respiratory system, improve lung functioning and level up oxygen intake. This boost in oxygenation can result in better immune function and works as a fighting agent to ward off infections and diseases," she added.

 

• Psychological Benefits:

 

Laughter has a powerful impact on mental and emotional well-being. Not only does it lighten up the mood, but is very helpful in increasing your resilience capacity in times of challenging and traumatic situations.

Kesha said, "Our mind, immune system and hormone system are finely interlinked to our mood, and laughter can serve as an immediate positive effect."

5 Ways To Boost Your Mental & Physical Health With A Dose Of Laughter

Laughter truly is the best medicine. It uplifts moods, boosts immunity, and strengthens relationships. While simple, incorporating more laughter into your daily routine can significantly improve both mental and physical well-being.

Here are 5 tips to unlock the power of laughter and cultivate a happier, healthier you as suggested by Mansi Poddar, a Trauma informed Psychotherapist

• Integrate Laughter Into Routine: Adding laughter to your daily routine can be a powerful way to combat stress and boost your mood. Consider incorporating humorous content into your life, whether through watching comedy shows, reading funny books, or following social media accounts that share uplifting and amusing content.


• Cultivate Supportive Social Circles: Surrounding yourself with friends and family who bring joy and humour into your life can be a major mood booster. Laughter is contagious, so consider joining a laughter group or club where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share your appreciation for the good chuckle. It's a fun and effective way to double down on the stress-busting benefits of laughter.


• Explore Laughter Therapy: Consider exploring structured techniques like laughter yoga or laughter meditation. These practices involve guided exercises and activities that help you experience the physical and emotional benefits of laughter in a supportive environment. Laughter yoga often incorporates playful movements and breathing exercises, while laughter meditation focuses on cultivating a sense of joy and amusement within.


• Develop a Positive Outlook: Try reframing challenging situations with optimism and finding humour in everyday lives. Use laughter as a coping mechanism during really tough times.


• Engage in Playful Activities: Seek out activities that spark genuine laughter, like playing games, engaging in creative pursuits like painting or music, or spending time with their pets, is a great way to go about things. Prioritising activities that bring you pure joy and allow you to express yourself freely is like giving your mood a natural boost.