Laughter: A Joyful Prescription

Laughter is often called the best medicine, and it’s not just an old wives’ tale. Scientific research backs up the health benefits of a good laugh, ranging from improved mental health to enhanced physical wellness. Let’s explore the specific benefits of laughter, how often you should aim to chuckle, and what happens when joy is missing from our lives.

Health Benefits of Laughter

1. Stress Reduction: Laughter reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
   
2. Immune Boost: Laughing increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells, leading to a stronger immune system.
   
3. Pain Relief: Laughter releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. A good laugh can actually increase your pain threshold.
   
4. Heart Health: Laughing improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect against heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
   
5. Enhanced Lung Capacity: Laughter empties your lungs of more air than it takes in, resulting in a cleansing effect—similar to deep breathing exercises.
   

How Often Should You Laugh?

While there’s no prescribed number, aiming for a few good laughs daily is beneficial. Studies suggest that children laugh hundreds of times a day, but adults often fall short. Striving for laughter multiple times a day is a good benchmark.

Incorporating More Laughter into Your Life

1. Connect with Friends: Social interactions often lead to laughter. Spend more time with people who make you feel good and share your sense of humor.
   
2. Watch Comedy: Regularly watch funny movies, shows, or stand-up comedy specials.
   
3. Join a Laughter Yoga Class: What? Laughter yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing, which anyone can do and it’s great for loosening up.
   
4. Engage in Fun Activities: Doing things you enjoy, like games or sports, can naturally lead to laughter.
   
5. Learn to Laugh at Yourself: Cultivating the ability to laugh at your own mistakes can provide ongoing opportunities for laughter.  And sometimes, you’re funnier than you think!
   

Integrating more laughter into your life is a delightful and beneficial goal. Whether it’s watching your favorite comedy, spending time with loved ones, or simply learning to laugh at life’s quirks, every chuckle brings you a step closer to better health. Remember, laughter is not just about brightening your day—it’s also a vital part of maintaining your health and well-being.

Postscript:  A few years ago, I occasionally visited a Chinese acupuncturist and would lie on a table like a pincushion with needles poked into certain spots (ouch).  This office was next to a daycare center and every time I went to this particular doctor for treatments, I could hear the laughter and joy of children playing on the grounds next door.  Even just hearing these little ones running around screaming and laughing was more medicine than any needle strategically placed into my body.  

Ancient Wisdom:  A merry heart does good like medicine.  Proverbs 17:22