Laughter is a natural human response which is activated in fun or relaxing situations. If you laugh frequently, you might be privileged when it comes to health. And for decades, scientists and doctors have been studying the benefits of laughing oftenboth in terms of mental health as physical.
These discoveries have led to laughter being considered a form of natural therapy, capable of influencing aspects such as the immune system, circulation and mood. However, not all forms of laughter generate the same effect. Discover how and why real laughter can make a difference in your longevity.
What Happens to Your Body When You Laugh Frequently, According to Science
Laughter often has a significant impact on various functions of the human body. According to the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), people with a good sense of humor have a 40% fewer vascular problemswhich significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and thrombosis.
This protective effect is largely due to the ability of laughter to stimulate the cardiovascular system and improve oxygenation of the brain.
Proven benefits:
- Stress reduction: Laughter decreases levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, and promotes the release of endorphins, known as “happy hormones.”
- Strengthen the immune system: Laughter stimulates the production of immune cells that fight infections and diseases.
- Improvement of the circulatory system: Laughter increases the heart rate and improves blood circulation, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease.
- Increased pain threshold: The analgesic effect of laughter allows you to better tolerate physical and chronic discomfort.
What is the relationship between laughter and psychological well-being
Laughter doesn’t just have physiological effects. It also directly influences mental and emotional health. According to neurologist Marcos Llanero, the coordination of reactions such as Laughter activates the brain’s reward systemassociated with dopamine.
This chemical substance generates a feeling of well-being similar to that felt when eating pleasant foodsengage in physical activity or maintain social relationships.
For his part, the American psychologist Paul Ekman identified up to 16 types of laughter and smiles, but he emphasized that the most authentic are those that provide the greatest benefits. In fact, they engage specific facial muscles, such as those around the eyes, and trigger a real emotional response.
So… If you laugh frequently, could you live longer?
A Norwegian study published in Psychosomatic medicine analyzed more than 53,000 men and women over 15 years assess the relationship between sense of humor and longevity. The results revealed that people with a greater sense of humor more likely to survive cardiovascular disease and infections.
The researchers concluded that a sense of humor acts as a cognitive resource that protects health. This reinforces the idea that laughing frequently not only improves quality of life, but can also prolong it.
How to encourage laughter in everyday life
To benefit from the benefits of laughter, it is important to integrate it into daily activities. These recommendations can help you:
- Cultivate a positive environment: Surround yourself with people who value humor and happy situations.
- Spend time on comedic activities: watch movies, comedy shows or read funny books.
- Learn to laugh at yourself: Acknowledge the humorous aspects of your own experiences without feeling vulnerable.
- Practice laughter therapy: Attending laughter therapy workshops can help release tension and promote joy.
While there is no exact formula for living longer, incorporating more moments of authentic laughter into your daily life can be an important step toward living a healthier, longer life.
