Laughter therapy: the psychological benefits of laughter

A fun and effective complement that reinforces psychological therapy.

Humorous movies, a friend's jokes or a comedian's jokes are natural remedies to combat stress and emotional problems. are natural remedies to combat stress and emotional problems.. 

The laughter therapy is an alternative therapy that consists of creating situations that encourage laughter and humor to relieve physical and emotional tensions. In this article we review everything you need to know about laughter therapy.

Benefits of Laughter Therapy

There have been many studies that support the multiple benefits of this form of therapy. Lee Berk and Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California (United States) have published several studies in this line of research.

These are some of the conclusions:

• Laughter activates the immune systemHumor therapy or laughter therapy has a positive effect on the immune system making us healthier and more resilient.

• Reduces stress hormonesResearch results also indicate a general decrease in stress-related hormones such as cortisol.

• Promotes the secretion of the so-called happy hormonesserotonin, dopamine, adrenaline and endorphins.

• OxygenationIncreases the body's ability to use oxygen.

• Mobilizes the spinewhich helps to relieve back pain. It also helps the person to forget about pain.

• Laughter can provide good cardiac conditioning. cardiac conditioningespecially for those who are unable to perform physical exercise.

• Blood pressureLaughter therapy helps to prevent hypertension.

• When we laugh we get twice as much oxygenThe laughter is a natural hyperventilation that favors all the processes of the organism.

Laughter is the best medicine

Therefore, laughter therapy works well for certain emotional problems and to combat stress and pain, laughter therapy works well for certain emotional problems and to combat stress and pain.. A study conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found that laughter shows improve children's tolerance to pain, which could be used in hospitals when little ones have to undergo surgery.

At the University of Maryland, researchers found that an experimental group that viewed humorous movies experienced increased Blood flow compared to the group that did not view such movies. This could be related to the psychological benefits of laughter.

As already discussed, laughter stimulates various catecholamines, which are associated with happiness, relaxation and well-being, such as endorphins.such as endorphins. In addition, laughter de-stresses, reduces anxiety and increases energy. All these psychological and physiological benefits are important to face different negative situations or bad moments.

The link between laughter and mental health

The link between laughter and mental health is evident as it helps to cope with disturbing emotions. It is not possible to feel anxiety, anger or sadness when you are laughing. But lough laughter not only relaxes, it helps to recharge your batteries.. At the same time, it reduces stress and increases energy, which is positive for staying better emotionally.

Humor helps to see things differently, i.e., it helps to see situations in a less threatening way. A humorous outlook on life creates distance from psychopathology, which can help you feel better and more prepared for the challenges of everyday life.

The social benefits of laughter therapy

Humor and playful communication strengthen our relationships by activating positive feelings and create an emotional connection with others. When we have fun, laugh, and have good times with others, we create a positive bond with other people. This bond acts as a buffer against stress or burnout, conflict with others, and threatening situations.

Laughing with others is more powerful than laughing alone.But how can we generate these humorous situations with others? You can follow these tips:

• Watch funny movies, series or programs with humorous content.
• Go to places where there are comedians performing.
• Search for humorous web pages.
• Surround yourself with funny people.
• Share jokes, pranks or funny stories with others.
• Look for humor books in bookstores or your local library.
• Attending "laughter yoga" classes.
• Take time for fun activities (e.g., bowling, miniature golf, karaoke).

Laughter brings people together during difficult times.

Funny situations with others are one of the best strategies for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. These situations sare emotionally impactful and build bonds for strong, long-lasting relationships.. Sharing these funny moments, laughter and play also add joy, vitality and resilience to life's difficult moments. In addition, humor is a powerful and effective way to heal resentments and disagreements. Laughter brings people together in difficult times.In couples, incorporating humor and funny moments improves the quality of relationships. But this also applies with co-workers, family and friends.

Using humor and laughter in relationships is good because:

• It allows you to be more spontaneous and disinhibits.
• Humor takes away problems.
• Laughter helps to forget judgments, criticisms, and doubts.
• It helps to express true feelings and deep emotions to reach the hearts of others.