Comedy, Laughter, and Mental Health

A good laugh is excellent for you, whether you are chuckling at something someone said or giggling out at a comedy event. Numerous medical research concurs that laughing is the best natural stress reliever and treatment for mental health issues. Many people consider humour to be a desirable personality trait. Greater senses of humour are believed to help people deal with stress, get along with others, and maintain better psychological and even physical health.

Humour was listed among the basic character strengths or enduringly beneficial human attributes discovered by Positive Psychology in the late 1990s. By enhancing one’s capacity to control emotions, comedy or a good sense of humour may have a positive impact on mental health. The ability to laugh at yourself may result in “habitually amusing-related good feelings or moods.” In other words, through enhancing emotional well-being, it may have a direct impact on psychological health. By encouraging good affect, comedy or a sense of humour might improve mental health indirectly by helping people perform better on activities that need focused attention.

12 Mental health benefits of Laughter and good sense of humour

physical health

Laughter immediately induces beneficial physiological and psychological changes that ease anxiety. 

  1. Laughing increases your ability to breathe in oxygen. This in turn activates muscles, the heart, and other organs like the lungs. Endorphins, chemicals that produce a sense of pleasure and mental relaxation, are also released by your brain.
  2. Laughter triggers your body’s stress reaction, which reduces tension. Your heart rate is altered by this process, which leaves you feeling upbeat.
  3. Laughter also promotes a quick blood circulation, relieving tension. You could feel a relaxing sensation that relieves tension and stress when this occurs.
  4. It boosts immune system. Neuropeptides are released as a result of positive thoughts. These are brain chemicals that have been shown to combat stress, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. When you think negatively, your body may experience hormonal changes that lead to increased stress levels, which then lower your immunity. 
  5. Laughter act as a pain relief. A hearty laugh relieves physical pain by causing your body to release natural painkillers. 
  6. It brings positivity: A good sense of humour may facilitate social interaction and connection with others. By diverting your attention from trying circumstances, positive thinking and satisfying relationships can help you manage. Laughter has the power to greatly improve mood by lowering anxiety and despair and making you joyful.
  7. Laughter distracts you from problems: When you laugh, you stop worrying about that homework that is past due or the significant exam that is due the next week. Your brain may take a vacation from stress-inducing thoughts when you laugh. 
  8. Relationships are strengthened through shared laughter, which may deepen bonds and make you feel more connected to friends, family, and co-workers. Humour may be a potent tool for mending old rifts and grudges.
  9. Muscle relaxation: When you’re stressed, your body tens up, which can make you feel stuck. A good chuckle will help you feel better physically and can help you relax your muscles for up to 45 minutes.
  10. Enhances cardiovascular health: Laughter raises blood oxygen levels and heart rates. This may enhance vascular performance and lessen the risk of having a heart attack.
  11. Reduces blood pressure: Laughter produces endorphins that block the harmful effects of stress hormones, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure.
  12. Helps with weight management: Weight gain is a typical side effect of long-term stress. In addition to lowering the stress chemicals that lead to weight gain, laughing also helps you burn calories.

Trying to participate in some of the laughing activities and having a little fun will help reduce any extra stress, regardless of whether you’re anxious about your stressful life or workload. Some of these exercises don’t require much time to complete. Watch a humorous YouTube video if you only have five minutes. If you have a free night, invite some friends over for a movie night. It doesn’t matter how you choose to increase your level of humour, every individual need to keep a positive outlook. For additional advice on how to reduce stress talk to best psychologist for your anxiety and depression.

You can also note the everyday items that make you feel good or bring back pleasant memories. By accepting a generous attitude, while in the company of funny people, get involved in making jokes with them. Your surroundings may have a significant impact on your mood. You can rearrange your workspace or study area to include amusing items, such as a snapshot of you and your pals from a great night out or a photograph of your dog dressed up in a silly costume. Take help from Online counsellor and Psychologists who can help you in guiding and advising to pay attention to the things that bring you joy, let to look at the positive aspects of life and guide you towards activities that can make you smile and stay joyful.