Why You Need a Good Laugh
If you love shows like Friends, Seinfeld, I Love Lucy or 30 Rock, you’re not alone. Those often top the charts for people’s all-time favorite comedy series. No matter what TV era your favorite funny shows come from, there’s a reason we like this kind of programming: the feeling it gives us.
We enjoy watching Sheldon Cooper misunderstand a social norm, the dynamic between Will and Grace or Steve Martin and Martin Short bumbling around to solve a case. These shows not only help us escape the frustrations in our everyday lives, but they’re also funny.
It’s no secret that our lives are stressful, whether that’s due to traffic, work, financial issues, news fatigue or household duties. However, persistent stress can increase the risks of cardiovascular disease, weaken our immune systems, trigger anxiety and depression, disrupt sleep, affect digestion and even cause chronic pain.
But laughter, as the saying goes, can be the best medicine because it has emotional and physical health benefits. A good chuckle can:
Relieve stress.
A review of eight studies found that laughter could decrease stress hormone (cortisol) levels by up to 36.7%, no matter how long people laughed or why. Laughing also boosts feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin.
Boost immunity.
Laughter can stimulate the production of antibodies and immune cells that protect our bodies against infections and diseases. It also increases circulation, which allows the cells to move around the body more effectively.
Help burn fat.
Stress increases our cortisol levels, which can lower our metabolism and lead to belly fat. In fact, research has found that as little as 15 minutes of laughter could burn up to 40 calories.
Improve heart health.
In one study, watching a 30-minute humorous video improved blood flow and artery function. It’s not fully understood, but researchers think it’s because laughter increases endorphin levels while decreasing inflammation and stress. It also can lower blood pressure and help regulate heart rhythm.
Reduce pain.
One study found that watching as little as 15 minutes of a comedy (in this case, Mr. Bean and Friends) reduced pain by as much as 10%. Similar studies have found that people laughing could keep their hands submerged in ice water longer due to the endorphin boost.
So, how can you bring more laughter into your life?
You can watch more comedies or stand-up specials, host a game night with friends or family, follow funny social media accounts, watch hilarious pet videos or look through amusing photos in your “favorites” folder. If that’s still not working for you, learn some “dad jokes,” try a few tongue twisters or watch a tutorial on laughter yoga.
Remember, as Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” so find whatever tickles your funny bone and start chuckling. It’ll be good for you.
Schedule an Appointment
If you haven’t laughed in a long time, and you think you may be suffering from depression, talk to your primary care physician about what they can do to help. They may also refer you to a therapist.
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