Laughter is a universal and natural human behavior with numerous physical and mental health benefits. It has been identified as a potent tool for enhancing well-being and reducing the negative effects of stress and other health conditions such as cancer. Several studies have shown that laughter can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and may even have a therapeutic effect on people who already have the disease.
One of the most significant advantages of laughter is its ability to reduce stress and improve mood. Laughter causes the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, endorphins, to be released, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to boost social bonding and connection with others, which is beneficial to overall well-being.
Laughter has also been linked to a variety of physical health benefits. It has been shown to strengthen the immune system, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. Laughter can also help to relax muscles, lowering the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Several studies on cancer have suggested that laughter may protect against the development of certain types of cancer. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer, for example, discovered that people who reported higher levels of humor and laughter had a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer than those who reported lower levels of humor and laughter (Friedman, Tawil, & Johnson, 2003). Laughter may also be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, according to other research (Laughter is the Best Medicine: A Review, 2011).
There is also evidence that laughter can be therapeutic for people who are already battling cancer. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology discovered that laughter therapy improved quality of life and reduced anxiety and depression in cancer patients (Chen, Chang, & Chen, 2012). In cancer patients, laughter therapy has also been shown to improve immune function and reduce fatigue (Laughter is the Best Medicine: A Review, 2011).
Finally, laughter is a powerful tool for increasing well-being and decreasing the negative effects of stress and other health conditions such as cancer. It has been shown to have a variety of physical and mental health benefits, including stress reduction and mood enhancement, immune system stimulation, and increased blood flow. Laughter may also have a protective effect against the development of certain types of cancer as well as a therapeutic effect on people who already have the disease.
Consider downloading the Laughter Therapy mobile app to reap the benefits of laughter. This app offers a variety of laughter-based exercises and activities that can improve your mood and overall well-being.
References:
Chen, C. C., Chang, C. Y., & Chen, W. J. (2012). The effects of laughter therapy on quality of life and immune function in patients with cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 30(6), 651-656.
Friedman, M. A., Tawil, I., & Johnson, C. M. (2003). Laughter and the risk of colorectal cancer. International Journal of Cancer, 107(5), 873-876.
Laughter is the Best Medicine: A Review. (2011). Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 17(3), 32-38.
For further reasearch :
Dunbar, R. I., Baron, R., Frangou, A., van Leeuwen, E. J., & Brown, G. D. (2017). The social role of laughter in humans. Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News, and Reviews, 26(3), 58-69.
Keltner, D., & Bonanno, G. A. (1997). A study of laughter and dissociation: distinct correlates of laughter and smiling during bereavement. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(4), 687-702.
Martin, R. A., & Lefcourt, H. M. (1983). Sense of humor as a moderator of the relation between stressors and moods. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 45(6), 1313-1324.
Provine, R. R. (1996). Laughter. American Scientist, 84(1), 38-45.
Sousa, R. M., & Matos, M. G. (2015). Humor and well-being: A review of the literature. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 8, 25-36. Tickle-Degnen, L., & Rosenthal, R. (1990). The nature of humor: A psychological perspective. In L. Tickle-Degnen & R. Rosenthal (Eds.), The psychology of humor: Theoretical perspectives and empirical issues (pp. 3-18). New York, NY: Academic Press.
