Always thought the saying "laughter is the best medicine" was nothing more than a cliché? Think again. In modern science, a slew of health benefits have been attributed to laughing, from stress management to increased immunity. There's even an emerging therapeutic field known as humour therapy.
Helene Grover, Australian laughter specialist and author of Laugh Aerobics, says a little laugh can do a world of good. "When individuals learn to lighten up, they enhance their attitude towards their work and life, improving their overall wellbeing," Grover says. And the best part: it's completely free. Learn how a little laughter can lighten up your day.
Benefits of laughter
Busts stress: Laughing reduces the amount of stress hormone produced by the body, while simultaneously increasing levels of "happy hormones" like endorphins and neurotransmitters.
Eases depression and anxiety: Laughter boosts the production of serotonin, a natural anti-depressant. Plus, the distraction laughing provides helps to divert your mind from anger, guilt, stress and other negative emotions that may be getting you down.
Boosts your immunity: Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of immunity-boosting T cells.
Provides an internal workout: A good belly laugh can be likened to "internal jogging" in the way it exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles relaxed.
Reduces pain: The release of endorphins not only makes you happy, they're also the body's natural painkiller hormones.
Increases stamina: Laughter enhances blood supply to important internal organs like the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and adrenal glands, which, apart from ensuring internal wellbeing, also helps to increase stamina.
Provides perspective: Studies show that our response to stressful events can be altered by whether we view something as a "threat" or a "challenge". Humour can give us a more light-hearted perspective and help us view events as challenges, thereby making them less threatening and, in turn, more positive.
Gives your eyes a healthy glow: Strong laughter causes a thin film of tears to secrete from the lachrymal sacs, making your eyes shine.
Improves relationships: Laughing with another person initiates a state of non-judgment and freedom, creating a bond between you.
Encourages good sleep: Laughing "massages" the muscles of the soft palate and throat, promoting better sleep and reducing snoring.
Improves your social life: Scientists say laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group — it signifies acceptance and positive interactions with others.
Boost your laughter quotient
Watch comedies: There's no shortage of opportunities to laugh at TV and film. Funny movie of the month is Tropic Thunder, starring Jack Black, Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Junior. Tom Cruise's cameo will have you in stitches.
Spend time with friends: One person laughing can set off a chain reaction.
Find humour in your life: When things go pear-shaped, try to think of it as an experience you can look back and laugh at.
Fake it: Surprisingly, fake laughter provides the same positive benefits as real laughter. To get your daily dose, try one of Grover's exercises called "Tee hee, ha ha". Simply punch your arms in the air shouting "Tee, hee". Then throw your arms up and shout "Ha, ha". Place your hands on your hips, turn to the right and shout "Hee, hee" and repeat on the left side. Lower your arms while you raise your knees one at a time, slapping each and saying "Ho, ho". To finish, press your finger on top of your head and pirouette as you say "Tee hee, ha ha, hee hee, ho ho". Yes, you'll look ridiculous doing this, but if it makes someone else laugh in the process, you double its benefits.
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