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The power of laughter
Why laughter is the best medicine
Why laughter is the best medicine
We all know from our first-hand experiences, that when we see or hear something funny it makes us feel so much better.
- What is it that happens to our body during that moment?
- What sort of association takes place between our brain and our body when we laugh?
The relationship between chronic stress and illness has been studied extensively. However, only recently did the relationship between laughter and therapy, or better yet prevention, become a focus of attention in studies using scientific criteria.
It seems that laughter has the same effect as aerobic exercise. That is, the physical relaxation as a natural response of the body. We could say that laughter is some sort of “internal jogging” which, via deep abdominal breathing, massages our organs and tones our abdominal muscles.
Studies, many of which are conducted in paediatric clinics where children watch funny starring their favourite comedians, have begun to prove the therapeutic properties of laughter.
Έτσι το γέλιο:
1
Reduces stress
2
Increases blood flow and oxygenation of the body, which enhances the function of our basic organs and the release of endorphins which help us keep in better shape both psychologically and physically.
3
Prevents us from developing depression.
When we cultivate our sense of humour and enjoy finding ways to laugh, we don’t usually allow ourselves to feel as victims and we can see the positive aspects in difficult situations more easily. The positive mentality of people who enjoy laughing, along with the help of the improvements in mood caused by the neuropeptide cocktail produced by laughter, prevent them from becoming depressed.
Of course, we understand that making others laugh without participating in this improved mood does not have the desired effect.
Laughter helps prevent depression from developing in our lives
4
Reinforces the organism’s defence system.
It seems that “happy laughter” aids in the increase of natural killer cell levels, which are a type of white blood cells which attack cancer cells and other dangerous intruders in our bodies.
5
Increases our natural tolerance.
A huge advantage is to be able to perceive failure as a natural part in our effort to achieve success; as an opportunity to recognise our mistakes and learn from them (no one learns by succeeding only), without anger and disappointment.
Laughter allows as to recognise mistakes as part of our human essence. People with high tolerance are typically happier and more successful.
6
Relieves pain.
This does not happen because pain is actually reduced, but due to the fact that our nervous system changes.
It becomes stronger and the development of chronic pain is perhaps prevented;
especially if someone learns to laugh at a very young age, when plasticity of the nervous system is greater.
The good news is that laughter is contagious
The discovery of mirror neurons explains the reason why someone smiles when we smile. This validates the traditional notion that laughter is contagious.
What are mirror neurons?
Keeping things simple, we could say that when we see someone performing an action, the neural cells that our brain uses to perform that same action are activated as well!
As soon as you feel psychologically “down” and you meet your smiling and humorous friends, your brain responds by mimicking what it sees.
Obviously, your mood will change as well.
Make laughter a primary component in your life
No one’s life is always going to be a bed of roses.
Like in human history some parts are darker than others.
Our ability to laugh spontaneously even during times like those is an invaluable medicine.
Children mimic our habits
It is a wonderful experience for a child to wait in joyous anticipation to be told a happy story, rather than a barrage of whining.
Because those happy stories that cause laughter will bring tranquility and give birth to creativity, while chronic moaning will almost certainly lead to permanent inner sadness.
