Laughter therapy: the psychological benefits of laughter

Funny movies, a friend's jokes, or a humorist's jokes are natural remedies to combat stress and emotional problems.

The laughter therapy is an alternative therapy that consists of creating situations that promote laughter and humor in order to relieve physical and emotional tensions. In this article we review everything you need to know about laughter therapy

Benefits of Laughter Therapy

There have been many studies that support the multiple benefits of this form of therapy. Lee Berk and Stanley Tan from Loma Linda University in California (United States) have published several studies in this line of research.

These are some of the conclusions:

• Laughter activates the immune system: Humor therapy or laughter therapy has a positive effect on the immune system, making us healthier and more resistant.

• Reduces stress hormonesYour research results also indicate a general decrease in stress-related hormones such as cortisol.

• Promotes the secretion of so-called happiness hormones: serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline and endorphins.

• Oxygenation: Increases the body's ability to use oxygen.

• Mobilizes the spine, which helps relieve back pain. Also, it helps the person forget about pain.

• Laughter can provide good conditioning cardiac, especially for those who are unable to perform physical exercise.

• Blood pressure: laughter therapy helps prevent hypertension.

• Laughing we get double the oxygen, a natural hyperventilation that favors all the body's processes.

The laugh is the best medicine

Therefore, laughter therapy works well for certain emotional problems and to combat stress and pain. A study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that laughter shows improve pain tolerance in children, which could be used in hospitals when young children have to have surgery.

At the University of Maryland, researchers found that an experimental group that viewed movies humor experienced a greater blood flow compared to the group that did not visualize this type of films. This could be related to the psychological benefits of laughter.

As already mentioned, laughter stimulates different catecholamines, which are associated with happiness, relaxation and well-being, like endorphins. In addition, laughter de-stresses, reduces anxiety and increases energy. All these psychological and physiological benefits that are important to face different negative situations or bad times.

The relationship between laughter and mental health

The link between laughter and mental health is clear as it helps to cope with disturbing emotions. You cannot feel anxious, angry, or sad when you are laughing. But lLaughter not only relaxes, it helps recharge your batteries. At the same time, it reduces stress and increases energy, which is positive for staying better emotionally.

Humor helps to see things differently, that is, it helps to see situations in a less threatening way. A humorous view of life creates distance from psychopathology, which can help you feel better and more prepared for everyday challenges.

The social benefits of laughter therapy

Humor and playful communication strengthen our relationships by activating positive feelings and creating an emotional connection with others. When we have fun, laugh, and have good times with each other, a positive bond is created with other people. This joint acts as a buffer against stress or stress. burnout, conflicts with others, and threatening situations.

Laughing with others is more powerful than laughing aloneBut how can we generate these humorous situations with other people? For this you can follow these tips:

• Watch funny movies, series or programs with humorous content.
• Go to venues where there are comedians acting.
• Find pages on the web that are humorous.
• Surround yourself with fun people.
• Share jokes, jokes, or funny stories with others.
• Find humorous books in bookstores or your town library.
• Attend "laughter yoga" classes.
• Take time out for fun activities (eg, bowling, miniature golf, karaoke).

Laughter brings people together in difficult times

Fun situations with others are one of the best strategies for maintaining fresh and exciting relationships. These situations sare emotionally impactful and build bonds for strong and lasting relationships. Sharing these funny moments, laughter, and play also add joy, vitality, and resilience to difficult moments in life. Additionally, humor is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments and disagreements. Laughter brings people together in difficult times. In the couple, the incorporation of humor and fun moments improve the quality of relationships. But this also applies to coworkers, family and friends.

Using humor and laughter in relationships is good because:

• It allows you to be more spontaneous and uninhibited.
• Humor takes away your problems.
• Laughter helps to forget judgments, criticisms, and doubts.
• It helps to express true feelings and deep emotions to reach the hearts of others.