"Humans have a really effective 'weapon' and that's laughter" (Mark Twain)
If we think about the different situations in which we laugh, as well as the positive effects - both obvious and less obvious - that laughter usually has, it may indeed be an important "weapon" with multiple benefits. As a reminder of the importance of laughter, May 1st has been established as World Laughter Day. With that in mind, let's look at some of the benefits of laughter in our lives.
Laughter is a natural reaction that can occur in many different situations and which is not under our conscious control. We laugh because we are happy, but also because we are embarrassed or anxious. In the course of human evolution, it has been a way of enhancing communication and connection between individuals and between groups. We make a joke to break the ice, we laugh to show that we are friendly to another person or to relieve tension.
Although laughter continues to be a subject of study in the scientific community, some conclusions have been drawn about the benefits of laughter. So when we laugh:
- Oxygen intake increases, which activates the lungs, heart and muscles
- Endorphins are produced, which are proteins that on the one hand relieve stress and pain and on the other hand help us feel better
- Better cardiovascular function is promoted by regulating blood flow and pressure
- It strengthens our immune system as it activates T-cells that play an important role in fighting infections
In addition, laughter:
- It contributes to the emotional connection and to building trust in interpersonal relationships
- Relieves tension and evokes positive emotions, thus contributing to the resolution of interpersonal conflicts
- It is an effective way of distracting attention, providing the necessary emotional and temporal distance, in order to re approach something that is difficult for us
- Enhances cooperation and teamwork. At the same time, through the changes that occurre to the functioning of the brain, it promotes learning and creativity.
The above seems to confirm both Mark Twain's characterization of laughter as a "weapon" and a statement attributed to Lord Byron, who recalls:
"Always laugh when you can, it's cheap medicine."
PSYCHOLOGY - TODAY Team