Sometimes, when life takes unexpected and sudden twists, it is not uncommon for people to be in a tense, sad, or angry mood during more stressful periods. During these times, probably everyone had to listen to the sentence “Laughing is the best medicine!” or “Just smile a little more than you will be better.”. In this situation, these kinds of advice or proverbs are the last thing you need to hear. But they actually have some truth behind them. Laughing, indeed, has a positive impact, not only on your mood but also on your whole life.
There are many physical advantages to heaving a good, hearty laugh every once in a while. When you laugh, the muscles in your whole body relax, and this calming state can last up to 45 minutes. Furthermore, it can also help you stay healthy because it increases the strength of your immune system by supporting antibodies. You need them to fight against bacteria that make you sick. It also decreases cortisol, which is one of the primary stress hormones. The main reason why you feel better and more relieved after laughing is the emission of the happy hormone endorphins. Endorphins can also be emitted, for example, by exercising or eating dark chocolate. Additionally, laughter strengthens the heart, the blood flow, and the blood vessels. So maybe, by laughing a lot, you are more likely to prevent cardiovascular diseases. The next fact should be used as an excuse to skip your workout, but laughing is a calorie burner. If you laugh for up to 15 minutes per day, you will lose 40 kilocalories.
Besides that, the benefits of laughing go way beyond just the physical traits. Also, laughing emotionally, mentally, and socially can have a great positive impact. The mental benefits are that, even just for a second, you can think about something else, for instance, a good joke, instead of the miserable situation that you are in. In many social situations, laughing is a game changer. It will make you look instantly more likeable and even more attractive. Apart from this, you can strengthen your social connections when you laugh together with a friend, colleague, or even a stranger, since this shared laughter often contributes to the feeling of cohesion. In groups, experiences like this can be really helpful. A common laughter has also already solved conflicts that were starting to build up.
Another positive factor that comes from laughing is that you are able to view a situation that seems threatening and tense in a different light. Maybe a good joke that makes you laugh shifts your perspective, and you are able to find a silver lining on the horizon. Laughter also shows that you are able to take a joke and demonstrates a sense of humour, which is often an important character trait for many people.
Finally, if you are in a bad mood and want to get out of this downward spiral, then try to smile or laugh for about 90 seconds. This will “maintain” your brain into thinking you are completely fine. Of course, it is not a miracle cure for every bad mood swing that you experience, but it is definitely worth a shot because it emits happiness hormones.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au/four-happy-hormones/
https://www.welt.de/kmpkt/article159350380/Wie-du-deine-Laune-mit-5-Tricks-manipulieren-kannst.html