Essence of laughter : The Scientific overview

Hey guys, I am back with a topic that is not new to your understanding, but here I will showcase the essence of laughter in a different perspective. Must have heard people saying -laughter is the best medicine, there lies my point: "HOW". and the science behind.

It Turns out there’s some scientific accuracy behind the old adage “laughter is the best medicine.” The simple idea that works behind is “Laughter activates the body’s natural relaxation response"

Laughing stimulates the release of endorphin in brain via opioid receptors. Endorphins are considered natural painkillers because they activate opioid receptors in the brain that help to minimize discomfort and fosters well being, which makes the person feel light and happy; thus reduces stress. Research shows that laughter induces an anti-inflammatory effect that protects blood vessels and heart muscles from the damaging effects of cardiovascular disease.

Laughter is the best medicine : Norman Cousins

Norman Cousins (June 24, 1915 – November 30, 1990) was an American political journalist, author, professor, and world peace advocate. He volunteered to put out research on biochemistry of Human Emotions. He believed that laughter has the capacity to cure even deadly diseases.

Norman Cousins who was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease in 1964, which the doctors said would take his life within a few months. The disease was caused by stress, and so Mr. Cousins decided to introduce mass doses of humor into his life, watching hours and hours of Three Stooges movies. This “medicine” improved his condition so much that he continued to live and was cured. For more information on this, you may search his name on the Internet. His book is entitled “Norman Cousins Anatomy of An Illness.”

The principle lying behind is Whenever you laugh you set of mechanisms in your body that enhances your physiological and psychological health.

In general terms , laughter induces positive thinking, that is reflected in our actions, these actions build habits and when positive thinking becomes a habit, you are just surrounded with Positive results.

"Happy Bond between Laughter and mental health"

We have lot to gain from laughing !!!! some of the major benefits can be categorized as follows-

Releases endorphins: Natural chemicals in the body, endorphins promote a sense of well-being and relieve stress.

Decreases anger: When we’re in a difficult situation or in a disagreement with another person, seeing the humor in it can help. Specifically, laughter defuses anger, conflict, and self-blame.

Eases distressing emotions: Laughter counteracts feelings of anxiety and sadness. Moreover, it helps us release other intense emotions, such as grief.

Relaxes and revitalizes: Along with reducing stress, laughter also increases our energy levels. Therefore, we can stay focused more easily.

Changes your perspective: Laughter helps us access another point of view. Moreover, we begin to see something in a new, less scary way when we can laugh about it. In addition, humor helps us take things less seriously.

Reduces stress: When we laugh and smile, cortisol levels decrease. Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone, so lower levels are better for our mental health. Therefore, laughter increases our stress resilience.

Brings more joy and fun into our life: This one is self-explanatory!

"Laughter : A boon for Physical health"

Physical fitness is equally important and what if you get it just by Laughing!!!!

Helps with weight loss: A common side effect of chronic stress is weight gain. Laughing not only reduces the stress hormones that cause weight gain, but it also burns calories(https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=GCTRjMZOmsE) .

Improves cardiac health: Laughing increases your heart rate and the amount of oxygen in your blood. This can improve vascular function and decrease the risk of heart attacks.

Boosts immune system: When you’re stressed, negative thoughts can turn into chemical reactions that decrease your immunity to sickness. When you laugh, you adopt a positive mindset that can release infection-fighting antibodies and neuropeptides that help fight stress.

Lowers blood pressure: Laughter releases endorphins that counteract the negative effects of stress hormones—lowering your blood pressure as a result.

Stimulates your organs and Relaxes your muscles: When you laugh, you take in more oxygen-rich air. This stimulates your lungs, heart and muscles. When in stress, your body tenses up and can cause you to feel stuck. A good laugh can relieve physical tension in the body and relax the muscles for up to 45 minutes.

Laughter Yoga : The Indian twist -

In March 1995,Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor in Mumbai, India decided to write an article- ‘Laughter - The Best Medicine’ for a health journal. In his research he discovered many modern scientific studies that described at great length the many proven benefits of laughter on the human mind and body.

In particular, Dr. Kataria was impressed by Norman Cousins’ book ‘Anatomy of an Illness’ and the research work by Dr. Lee Berk. Profoundly inspired and being a man of action, Dr. Kataria immediately decided to field-test the impact of laughter on himself and others