Are you having a laugh?
Science continues to show that a healthy sense of humour really can be good for you.
Anyone who grew up with Reader’s Digest, as a subscriber or a casual browser during visits to the doctor, will tell you: Laughter is the best medicine.
That adage goes back a long way but recent research has discovered that there’s more than a grain of truth to it – and it’s particularly relevant as we get older.
While the experts stress that we should maintain physical health through diet and exercise, our mental and emotional well-being is equally important.
We can’t laugh away all our problems, but maintaining a sense of humour can help us navigate our lives in a joyous and healthy way.
Put simply, it feels good to laugh. Scientists have known that since the 1970s, when they established a link between laughter and our ability to tolerate physical pain.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. These endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can temporarily relieve pain.
Furthermore, laughter boosts the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and activating immune cells, which helps fight off illness and disease.
The authors of a 2023 study titled Laughter as Medicine looked at the relationship between the release of cortisol, which is known to help maintain blood pressure, immune function, and the body's anti-inflammatory processes.
Other studies show that the physical exertion involved in laughing can give you some of the benefits of a light workout. However, you need to keep it up for 10 minutes to get the recommended “dose”.
As we age, cognitive decline can become a concern. Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain is crucial for maintaining cognitive function.
Once again, humour comes into play. It involves complex mental processes, including the ability to understand and appreciate jokes, wordplay, and comedic situations. This mental engagement can help keep the brain sharp and improve memory.
Humour also enhances creativity and problem-solving skills. It encourages us to look at situations from different perspectives and think outside the box.
Laughter provides us with a natural and enjoyable way to cope with life's difficulties. It allows us to momentarily step back from our problems and view them in a less threatening light.
Humour is also a powerful social tool that strengthens relationships and fosters connections with others.
For older adults, laugher can be an excellent way to bridge gaps and build new relationships, as well as to reinforce existing ones.
Here are some ways to put laughter into your life:
Watch funny movies, TV shows, or stand-up comedy can provide a good dose of laughter.
Spend time with friends or family members who have a good sense of humour. Their laughter can be contagious and uplifting.
Engage with books, articles, or cartoons that tickle your funny bone.
Try to see the lighter side of life’s challenges. Look for humour in everyday situations and laugh at your own quirks and mishaps.
Important: Laughter is not a cure-all. If you feel sad or depressed, seek professional help. If you need somebody to talk to, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Related reading: Psychology Today, BBC
