Is Laughter Really the Best Medicine?

Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

The old expression ‘laughter is the best medicine’ might sound cliché but there is plenty of scientific evidence to suggest it is true. Studies have found that laughter not only boosts our physical and emotional wellbeing but also has a powerful effect on our brain. It increases brain connectivity, improves memory and increases our ability to think creatively.

When we laugh, endorphins are released in the brain, which are hormones that help us reduce stress, improve mood and potentially improve cognition. Additionally, laughter has also been found to lead to the release of serotonin, a hormone which increases feelings of happiness and lowers depression and anxiety. Interestingly, the brain can even be tricked into finding something funny when it’s not. For example, a study of 38 participants found that those who watched a humorous cartoon even though they weren’t actually laughing still experienced improved moods at the end of the study.

The Role of Comedians

With this evidence that laughter is linked to numerous health benefits, comedians have always been recognised for the healing power of their comedic performances. Not only do their jokes stimulate a person’s cognitive responses, but laughter can actually help people manage their stress and wellbeing in difficult times. As well as providing people with a sense of connection in anxious times, the physical act of laughing can reduce the production of the stress-hormone cortisol in the brain.

In more extreme cases of mental health struggles, comedians are beginning to be recognised for their potential therapeutic benefits. Studies have found that laughter can help to promote ‘positive affect’, something which is essential for those who suffer from depression. Positivity is an important part of any person’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and comedians can provide people with an opportunity to reframe their perspective on the world and challenge the social and cultural constructs of the day.

Laughter and Neuroplasticity

Laughing changes our brains. Studies have suggested that when we laugh, the brain remodels pathways which promote better connections between the body and the brain. Through our ‘mirror neurons’, we essentially act out the physical form of laughter that we see others doing. This mimicry stimulates the cognitive responses which then transmit data to the brain to help develop new neural connections. The development of these patterns in the brain leads to enhanced creativity and improved problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, laughter has also been found to stimulate the activity of the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s problem-solving centre. Studies have found that when people watch comedy shows, they can recall more information 10 minutes later than those who watch non-funny programming. Furthermore, an analysis of 201 research projects showed that laughter significantly increases vital parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.

Laughter Connecting Us

Laughter is also an important part of human emotional communication, an expression of positive and shared feelings between people. This shared laughter can help to strengthen our personal and professional relationships and foster trust and respect. Studies have found that when people engage in the shared experience of laughter, they feel more connected to each other as well as being more optimistic about their belief in collective goals.

On a more individual level, laughter can also help to stimulate the degree of acceptance and collaboration between people. During times of uncertainty and transition, humour can help to create a more meaningful understanding of the world and encourage cooperation between different groups.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, laughter really can be the best medicine. From improved cognition, to better emotional connections, to enhanced neuroplasticity, we can all benefit from the positive effects of a good old belly laugh. So next time you watch a funny television show, listen to a podcast or catch up with a friend, take the time to reap the rewards of laughing.