Laughter is more than just giggles and smiles; it’s a superpower that may improve your health and happiness. When you laugh, your body produces endorphins, which improve your mood and decrease tension and anxiety. Not only that, but laughing strengthens your immune system, allowing you to fight off infections and remain healthy.
But the advantages don’t end there. Laughing may even relieve physical pain by activating the production of natural painkillers in your body. It’s like having your own built-in medication, with no side effects!
Furthermore, laughing with people might help to develop friendships and connections. Whether it’s telling a joke with friends or watching a hilarious movie with family, laughing draws people together and fosters feelings of pleasure and affection.
So, the next time you’re feeling sad or under the weather, don’t underestimate the power of laughing. Find something that makes you laugh, and let it out—it’s one of the easiest and most powerful methods to improve your mood and share joy!
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
– Victor Hugo, French Romantic writer
What studies say about “laughter”?
Patch Adams, American physician and comedian, realized that laughter is not just important for healing, but also for lifting the spirits of those who take care of patients. Each of us has a reservoir of kindness, empathy, and healing inside us. However, we often face challenges like fear, pain, tiredness, and sadness every day, which can drain us while patients rely on us. One simple way to recharge our spirits is by sharing a good laugh.
As we become older and confront the realities of life, many of us begin to believe that laughing is solely for children. According to studies, children laugh over 400 times every day, whereas adults only laugh around 15 times on average, as stated in National Library of Medicine. We have a tendency to get serious, especially in healthcare, where burnout is widespread. Some of us even believe that laughing might make us seem less professional.
However, laughing has significant health advantages. It can reduce pain, so it’s important to spread more laughter for healing. It’s like bees pollinating flowers and bringing them to life.
How can busy professionals bring laughter into their work? Here are ways to bring smiles and giggles to the workplace:
- Smile: When you smile, others might smile too! Babies learn to copy expressions and feelings from others, thanks to special brain cells called “mirror neurons.” Ever seen how when one person yawns, others start yawning too? That’s those mirror neurons working. Smiling and laughing activate these neurons in our brains, making us feel happy when we see others laugh. That’s why TV shows with laughter tracks make us chuckle. So, laugh and others might laugh with you.
- Have some jokes ready: People who can deliver excellent jokes are typically seen as intelligent. Some studies even suggest that amusing workers may be promoted. However, everyone’s sense of humor is different, so keep to basic, nice, and brief jokes. Always be aware of your audience.
- Plan some fun times: Dress up in funny costumes or bring in things that your patients or coworkers like. It can bring happiness and break the boredom of routine.
- Be able to laugh at yourself: Making fun of yourself might help to relieve stress and make others smile. The ability to laugh at oneself demonstrates to others that you are relaxed and sociable.
- Celebrate the happy moments: Encourage smiling, enjoyment, and laughing. When managers and bosses look like they’re having fun, it makes the workplace feel more enjoyable.
Laughter is like the finest medicine. It not only helps people feel better, but it also makes our own difficulties appear less serious and puts a smile on our faces and the faces of those we encounter. Laughing can actually help in curing many serious illnesses and diseases. There are also many examples of people overcoming major diseases just by staying happy. Try it out and see how it makes you and people around you happier.
