Humorous movies, jokes from a friend or jokes from a comedian are natural remedies for stress and emotional problems .

Laughter therapy is an alternative therapy that consists of creating situations that encourage laughter and humour, thus relieving physical and emotional tension. In this article we review everything you need to know about laughter therapy

Benefits of Laughter Therapy

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

These are some of the conclusions:

  • Laughter activates the immune system : Laughter therapy has a positive effect on the immune system making us healthier and more resistant.
  • Reduces stress hormones : The results of your research also indicate a general decrease in stress-related hormones such as cortisol.
  • Promotes the secretion of the so-called happiness hormones : serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline and endorphins.
  • Oxygenation : Increases the body’s ability to use oxygen.
  • Mobilizes the spine , which helps to relieve back pain. It also helps the person to forget about the pain.
  • Laughter can provide good cardiac conditioning , especially for those who are unable to exercise.
  • Blood pressure : laughter therapy helps to prevent hypertension.
  • By laughing we get twice as much oxygen , a natural hyperventilation that favours all the processes of the organism.

Laughter is the best medicine

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

At the University of Maryland, the researchers found that an experimental group that visualized humorous movies experienced increased blood flow compared to the group that did not visualize these types of movies. This may be related to the psychological benefits of laughter.

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

The relationship between laughter and mental health

The link between laughter and mental health is evident as it helps to deal with disturbing emotions. It is not possible to feel anxiety, anger or sadness when you are laughing. But l laughter not only relaxes, but also helps to recharge the batteries . At the same time, it reduces stress and increases energy, which is good 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 the challenges of everyday life.

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 a good time with others, it creates a positive bond with other people. This bonding acts as a buffer against stress or burnout, conflicts with others, and threatening situations.

Laughing with others is more powerful than laughing alone But how can we generate those moods with other people? You can do this by following these tips:

  • Watch funny and humorous movies, series or programs.
  • Go to places where comedians are performing.
  • Search for web pages that are humorous.
  • Surround yourself with fun people.
  • Sharing jokes or funny stories with others
  • Look for humorous books in the bookstores or library of your town.
  • Attend classes of “yoga of laughter”.
  • Take time for fun activities (e.g. bowling, mini-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 have an emotional impact and build bonds for strong and lasting relationships . Sharing these fun moments, laughter and play also add joy, vitality and resilience to life’s difficult moments. In addition, humor is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments and disagreements. Laughter brings people together in difficult times, and for couples, the incorporation of humor and fun times can improve the quality of relationships. But this also applies to co-workers, family and friends.

Using humor and laughter in relationships is good because:

  • It allows you to be more spontaneous and uninhibited.
  • Humor keeps you out of trouble.
  • Laughter helps to forget judgment, criticism, and doubt.
  • It helps to express true feelings and deep emotions to reach the hearts of others.