(And if it’s been a while since you’ve had a biology class, the better blood flows around your body – and to your heart – the more oxygen and other vital molecules get where they need to be.) The approach The first study used movies to look at the immediate effects of laughter on subjects’ endothelium – the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels and that dilates or expands during blood flow. It kicked off a whole slew of studies backing up the evidence and providing yet more clues that you can laugh your way into old age.īut first, let’s see how this works. The results of the study were first presented at the Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology, on Maby researchers from the University of Maryland.
So when you say “laughter is the best medicine” to someone and they roll their eyes, you can now hit them with some facts (unless you’re at a funeral or something, then wait a few weeks, please). But in 2005, the first study showed some of the physiological effects laughter has on the body’s cardiovascular system. We’ve always had lots of anecdotal evidence that “laughter is the best medicine” and studies have shown correlations between laughter and happiness and laughter and better life satisfaction. But in the meantime, a little laughter yoga probably wouldn’t hurt!Ĭheck out the video below to see how you can get started. In fact, it may be as effective as aerobic exercise at reducing self-reported stress ( Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5, Source 6).”ĭespite all the research, more large-scale studies need to be done to confirm the benefits. Other studies have shown that laughing yoga may help temporarily reduce cortisol levels and stress, improve mood and energy levels, and induce a more positive mindset. The authors stated that laughter exercises require little cognition and don’t rely on subjective humor, meaning most people can easily participate ( Source 1).
“A 2019 review found simulated laughter lowered depression rates and improved mood. In addition, Healthline cited many studies pointing to proof of the benefits of laughter yoga: Nothing actually has to be funny for you to get the mental and physical benefits that laughter brings. And your body doesn’t seem to know the difference anyway. But eventually (and especially if you’re in a group), the fake laughter leads to real laughter. It does feel totally ridiculous at first. For example, you may begin the class by clapping rhythmically 1-2, 1-2-3 while chanting ‘ho-ho, ha-ha-ha.'” You can do laughter yoga on your own, but doing it in a group setting (even via Zoom) has been shown to have further beneficial effects as it increases feelings of belonging and reduces loneliness.Īccording to Healthline (cited below): “Most sessions begin with simple breathing techniques, clapping, and chanting to help people relax.
Funny word of the day free#
Since it was introduced, it has spread all over the world and has been shown to help improve mood through the release of serotonin and dopamine, improve cardiovascular function by improving blood flow to the heart, and reduce stress by suppressing cortisol levels.īetter yet, it’s free and doesn’t require anything but feeling a little bit silly. Using research that showed laughter can have beneficial effects on physical and mental health. Madan Kataria, a physician in Mumbai, India, in 1995. Laughter yoga was first introduced by Dr.