There might be some science to back up the expression “Laughter is the best medicine.” Even though having a good laugh isn’t a cure-all for any condition (if only it were!), you might be surprised by the number of ways having a good sense of humor affects your physical, mental, and emotional health. With International Joke Day that took place on July 1, there’s no better excuse to recommit yourself to looking on the lighter side of things and letting out a good chuckle when you get a chance.
What is it about laughter that’s so good for you? It might have to do with the way laughter works your diaphragm. When you laugh, you tend to breathe much more deeply. Your lungs have a chance to send more oxygen all over your body, which is especially good for improving brain activity. While this is happening, your heart pumps a little bit faster, your blood pressure decreases, and your circulation improves. Your muscles will also relax, letting go of any stress or tension you might be carrying around.
There are even chemical effects within your body following a good joke. Laughter stimulates your reward center in the brain. It also prompts your brain to produce and release endorphins, which naturally lift your mood.
Plus, here’s a really small bonus: Laughing burns calories. Maybe not as many as a workout, but if you laugh for 10 minutes throughout the course of the day, you could be burning as many as 40 calories.
In fact, some scientific studies out of Europe see humor as contributing to your longevity—yes, those who laugh more often tend to outlive those who don’t.
With growing understanding of humor’s positive effect on health, some yoga practitioners are encouraging what’s known as laughter yoga, a yoga variation incorporating prolonged periods of voluntary laughter to de-stress, improve breathing, boost mood, and increase blood flow.
Don’t worry if you can’t find anything funny to actually laugh at: Making fake laughter sounds can deliver many of the same physical benefits because you’re still increasing your oxygen intake and relaxing your muscles. Try repeating “Haha,” “Hoho,” “Hehe” in quick succession over and over again (it might actually make you genuinely laugh because of how silly you feel).
