I, like many of you, have young grandchildren (or young children), and I absolutely love to hear them giggle and laugh! They seem to laugh all the time at the silliest things, and you can’t help but laugh with them. They laugh while they play, watch TV or movies, or talk with their friends, family, parents, or grandparents. As we grow up, however, that laughter doesn’t seem to come as easily. Yes, I know that is part of growing up and becoming an adult, but don’t you wish we could be more like when we were kids? In thinking about this, I couldn’t help but wonder about the role that laughter plays in our health. Researchers have studied laughter’s effects on the body over the last few decades and have discovered some interesting information on how laughter affects us:
- Blood flow. Our blood vessels contract and expand. The flow of blood is restricted in people who are tense or upset. When we are happy and experience laughter, though, our blood flows normally.
- Immune response. Increased stress is associated with decreased immune system response. Some studies have shown that humor may raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies and boost the levels of immune cells.
- Blood sugar levels. One study showed blood sugar was lowered after watching comedies (compared to people who listened to a tedious lecture).
- Relaxation and sleep. Studies have demonstrated that laughter can help relieve pain and allow for more restful sleep.
Laughter is good for us—mentally, physically, and spiritually. We all know the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes after a good laugh. Laughter can lighten our moods and make us feel connected with others. But sometimes, there is not always a lot to laugh about. Good belly laughs can be few and far between, so we need to make a conscious effort to try and see the positive things in our lives and express gratitude for our blessings. Prayer and reflection are other means of achieving a positive state of mind. Socializing with loved ones and friends who make us laugh is one way of training our bodies to embrace happiness. Pets can also have good effects on our bodies and make us feel loved, reducing stress in our lives. Traveling, hobbies, and doing the things we love can have the same positive effect. Joy and gratitude are skills we can develop when we practice mindfulness and being present in the moment. So, let’s all make a concentrated effort to laugh more often since it will have a positive effect on our health!
Adapted from:
- WebMD
- Church Health Reader/Winter 2018
