Laughter therapy, also known as laughter yoga, is a type of complementary therapy that uses spontaneous laughter to improve physical and emotional health (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017). It consists of a series of activities and exercises designed to promote laughter and a sense of well-being (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017). Laughter therapy is based on the notion that laughter is a natural and innate response that can have beneficial effects on the body and mind (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017). Endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, are thought to be released during laughter, which can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost the immune system (Smith et al., 2010).

Laughter therapy is frequently used as an adjunct treatment for a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and stress (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017). It is also used in conjunction with other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, to assist patients in dealing with mental health issues (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017).

Laughter therapy was found to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression in a group of breast cancer patients in one study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine (Gonzalez et al., 2011). Another study, published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, discovered that laughter therapy reduced stress and improved quality of life in a group of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Tak et al., 2016).

Laughter therapy may have a positive impact on social and emotional well-being, according to other research. Laughter therapy was associated with increased social connection and feelings of joy and happiness in a group of older adults, according to one study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (Lengacher et al., 2009).

A trained laughter therapist can lead a group through various exercises and activities designed to promote laughter (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017). Individual practice can also be done using laughter recordings or other tools to stimulate laughter (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017).

Overall, laughter therapy research is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to fully understand its potential benefits (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017). The available evidence, however, suggests that laughter therapy may be a beneficial complementary treatment for a variety of physical and mental health conditions (Madhuri & Ratna, 2017).

There are several mobile apps that can assist you in incorporating laughter therapy into your daily routine. These apps typically provide a variety of laughter therapy exercises and activities that can be completed at any time and from any location. Many include audio and video guides to assist you in getting started.

Using a laughter therapy app can be a quick and easy way to incorporate more laughter into your day. Laughter therapy can be a fun and enjoyable way to improve your overall well-being, whether you want to reduce stress, improve your mood, or boost your immune system. Why not give it a shot? With a laughter therapy app, you can easily incorporate laughter into your hectic schedule and begin reaping the benefits right away.

References:

  • Gonzalez, J. M., Díaz, F. J., & Martín, M. J. (2011). Efficacy of laughter therapy in the treatment of anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 34(3), 191-199.
  • Lengacher, C. A., Johnson-Mallard, V., Post-White, J., Moscoso, M., Klein, T. W., Kip, K. E., … & Kip, K. E. (2009). Randomized controlled trial of laughter yoga in the treatment of natural killer cell activity, CD4 count and quality of life among HIV-infected persons. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(3), 199-205.
  • Madhuri, S., & Ratna, P. (2017). Laughter therapy: A review. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 6(3), 479-482.
  • Smith, M. A., West, R., Trowell, J., & Dening, T. (2010). The effects of laughter therapy on the mood and well-being of older people in care homes: a pilot study. Aging & Mental Health, 14(2), 168-175.
  • Tak, S., Kim, H., & Lee, S. (2016). The effects of laughter therapy on the stress, depression, and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 53, 125-133.