Commit to be Fit: The health benefits of a good laugh

Since we just celebrated April Fools’ Day earlier this week, I thought it would be fun to examine the many benefits of having a good laugh. Did you know that children laugh on average over 300 times a day, and adults only 20?

Why am I talking about humor in a health column? Well, it turns out that science is revealing that laughter is not only fun, but that laughter is the best medicine. No joke.

Physical and mental benefits of laughter

I recently learned that there are doctors who recommend laugh therapy for their transplant patients before their major surgeries — amazing. Turns out laughter releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can promote an overall sense of well-being, boost the immune system and decrease stress and anxiety.

Aids in alleviating pain

Journalist Norman Cousins gained widespread attention when he reported that he was able to significantly reduce the pain he endured with his symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine). He reported that he regularly watched Marx Brothers (comedy) movies and observed a notable improvement in his pain levels. Cousins documented his experiences in his book, "Anatomy of an Illness," which played a pivotal role in highlighting the therapeutic benefits of humor and laughter in health and healing.

The science of forced laughter

Don’t have anything to laugh about? That’s OK. Charles Schaefer, professor of psychology, says that forced laughter is a powerful, readily available and a cost-free way for many adults to boost their mood and psychological well-being.

Schaefer directed study participants to smile broadly for 60 seconds, laugh heartily for 60 seconds and howl (like a wolf) for 60 seconds. He found laughing and smiling both helped boost the participants’ spirits, but howling did not. Forced laughter was the best medicine. “One minute of forced laughing showed a significantly greater improvement than one minute of smiling,” Schaefer said.

But forced laughter? How? The professor explained that the body doesn’t know it’s fake, even though your brain might. “Once the brain signals the body to laugh, the body doesn’t care why. It’s going to release endorphins, it’s going to relieve stress as a natural physiological response to the physical act of laughing."

Professor Schaefer believes laughing does at least four things for you. “It energizes you. It cheers you up. It relaxes you. It rejuvenates you. For adults, you feel younger,” he said.

Laughter is truly contagious

There are many stand-up comedy shows available on Netflix, YouTube, XM Radio and podcasts. Or search for “Laughter Yoga” on YouTube for free sessions. I tried “Laughter Yoga” from a YouTube video while my kids were home. Sure, I felt silly at first mimicking the movements and forced laughter, but then it became real laughter when my kids started laughing with me. We were laughing so much my cheeks hurt afterward! And guess what? It felt so refreshing. We had the best afternoon after laughing, so I’m a believer.

Kylie Alger is a certified wellness coach and co-owner of the Well-Woman: Body, Mind & Spirit. Comments: kylie@thewellwoman.org.