A Healthy Laugh - LPNI

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A Healthy Laugh

LPNI Health Topic---November 2020

A Healthy Laugh

A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NIV It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway: this year has been more stressful than usual. You may have heard the saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” While it may not be the best cure for all that ails us, and it is not going to make COVID-19 go away; however, it has been seen to be beneficial for our health and general well-being. It should be noted that laughter is an adjunct and not a replacement for acceptable therapies.

While there have been a variety of medical benefits supported by research, the major thought seems to be one of caution which is mainly an intervention, although many questions remain. Some feel that the research has been insufficient to support the claims of the benefit. Virtually all well researched studies do show positive effects of laughter. Studies that have been reported have covered just about all areas of medicine. These and other reports show no negative side effects or undesirable results of laughter. After all, use of laughter as an intervention is free, fun, and can be used anywhere. Not to mention, it’s nonallergenic and is fat. salt and gluten free, and doesn’t require batteries or an internet connection! Here are some of the noted benefits of laughter. Laughter and humor can sooth stress and improve the immune system. It is felt that our physical well-being can be reduced by as much as 20% due to the increase of stress. Laughter shuts down the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and increases the “feel good” neurochemicals like dopamine. Negative thoughts trigger a chemical reaction releasing the cortisol which increases stress and subsequently reduces the immune system. It is hard to have negative thoughts while we are laughing.

Laughter stimulates our internal organs and increases endorphins. While laughing, the chest expands, boosting the intake of O2 rich air. It electrifies the nervous system and clears the brain by enhancing its endorphin production which in turn triggers positive and good feelings. Endorphins are the body’s natural pain killers; so, laughter can also help mitigate pain. Although I don’t know how many, I did read that laughing burns calories by the expansion and contraction of the abdominal wall. There is even a practice called Laughter Yoga. Just as laughter can lessen stress, it can also lessen depression and anxiety. Laughter makes it easier to cope with difficult situations. Laughter helps us connect with others which offers comfort and support.

The relationship between laughter and health is a complex one. Research may not be ready and able to measure and understand the complexities of that relationship, but benefits have been observed and noted. Until scientists work out all the details, getting in all the laughter one can is beneficial. It is said that we need 17 laughs a day. It is also noted that our brain cannot tell the difference between a fake smile and a real one; so we can start with a smile to exercise the face muscles and then work up to aerobic work-out of laughter. Laugh for the joy of laughing. You will be surprised how infectious it can be.

Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues with songs of joy. Psalms 126:2 NIV

Carol Wehland, RN

Parish Nurse, Peace Lutheran Church

Beaver Dam, WI 53916 USA

parishnurse@bdpeacelutheran.org