LAUGHTER AND WELL-BEING

Hello everyone, it feels good to be back again with this topic which I feel is interesting and enlightening. I am sure many of you reading this must have heard the slogan "laughter is the best medicine". For a moment I had to ask myself why is laughter referred to as medicine. Can it really heal? The answer is not far off you know...Why would someone pay so much money to go watch a live comedy show? By the way, comedians are making a lot of money from making you and me laugh. Why are there so many skit makers springing up everywhere around the world? This is because laughter has a lot of potency to the point that it has now been commercialized or monetized.

We all laugh; some more than others, but it is a universal human characteristic. It makes people happy and brings them together. 

Although there is some controversy about whether laughter is a learnt or innate trait, most experts will reluctantly admit that laughter is not a learned behaviour. Laughter is universal, despite the fact that it is socioculturally transformed and diminished with age (Children laugh over 200 times a day). It's most common in three- or four-month-old babies. It has been noticed in children who are deaf and blind from birth. And we've all received the impression that it's uncontrollable and contagious. 

All of this suggests that laughter is a physically and psychologically hard-wired reflex. Researchers have compared its skills to a variety of medical ailments, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vascular function, and cardiovascular health, over the years. Laughter has been shown to be beneficial to one's health (physical, mental and social). As a good laugh has both short-term and long-term impacts, which we will discuss in this article.

Hence, we can say that the capacity to laugh freely and frequently has so much healing power and revitalizes the individual making laughter a fantastic resource for overcoming issues, improving relationships, and boosting physical, mental, and social health. Most importantly, this priceless medicine is enjoyable, free, and simple to apply.

LAUGHTER AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

Laughter calms the entire body and can last up to 45 minutes.

Laughter strengthens the immune system, lowers stress hormones, and enhances immunological cells and antibodies that fight infection.

Endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, are released when we laugh.

Laughter protects the heart, improves blood vessel function, and enhances blood flow.

Laughter helps to relieve the burden of anger.

Laughter may possibly prolong an individual's life.

Laughter is a great way to burn calories. 

Although it's hardly a substitute for going to the gym, one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn around 40 calories enough to lose three to four pounds in a year.

LAUGHTER AND MENTAL HEALTH

Laughter makes people happy. Even when the laughter has subsided, they still have a happy feeling. Through terrible times, disappointments, and loss, humor can help an individual maintain a bright, hopeful view.

Laughter is a natural antidote to negative feelings. When you're laughing, you can't be anxious, angry, or unhappy.

Laughter is a great way to unwind and recharge. It relieves tension and boosts energy, allowing you to stay focused and get more done.

Laughter changes one's perception of situations, helping them to see things in a far more realistic and less scary way.

A funny viewpoint generates psychological distance, which can aid in avoiding overwhelm and resolving conflict.

Laughter helps you connect to others, which can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being.

LAUGHTER AND SOCIAL HEALTH

Laughter spreads like a "virus". When you're with other people, you're much more likely to laugh than when you're alone. And the more laughter one introduces into their life, the happier they and the people around them will become. 

One of the most effective methods for keeping relationships new and intriguing is shared laughter. All forms of emotional communication strengthen and sustain relationships, but laughter brings joy, vigour, and resilience. 

And using comedy to heal resentments, conflicts, and hurts is a powerful and successful method. 

Laughter brings people together in difficult situations.

How do I bring laughter into my life?

Here are some ways to bring more laughter into your life;

Smile. Smiling is the precursor to laughter, and it's contagious like laughter.

Gratitude Journaling is a term that refers to the practice of keeping a journal Make a list of everything you want to do. The simple act of focusing on the positive aspects of your life can help you avoid negative thoughts that prevent you from laughing and having fun.

Move toward the laughter if you hear it. When you hear laughter, go out of your way to find it and inquire, "What's funny?"

Spend time with people who are up for a good time. These are people who can easily laugh at themselves as well as at life's absurdities, and who find humour in everyday situations.

Bring a sense of comedy to your talks. "What was the funniest thing that happened to you today?" ask folks.

Conclusively, don't be afraid to give it a shot. Make a smile with your lips and then laugh, even if it looks a little forced. After you've had your laugh, assess how you're feeling. 

Till next time, I remain your favourite shrink

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