When we think back on our favorite memories, many of them include laughter. Maybe it was a Thanksgiving dinner where an uncle had everyone smiling with over-the-top stories, or a recent get-together with old friends that brought back hilarious memories from years past. Even if you’re not the one telling the jokes, we can all agree that humor and laughter bring lightness and connection to our lives. But did you know they also come with real health benefits?
Humor and Mental Health
The most obvious health effect of humor is its impact on mental health. The more you can laugh at life, the less likely you’ll become depressed or anxious when faced with challenging situations. Studies have shown that people who approach moments of crisis with an attitude of levity are more resilient and able to cope with the uncertainties that surround the issue. Anxiety is physically inhibited by laughter, which relieves stress and decreases “stress hormones,” such as epinephrine and cortisol. Having a good sense of humor also boosts self-esteem. Laughter and humor improve mental health by increasing your social and communication skills, preventing loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
The Physical Effects
Besides maintaining a better mood and more optimistic life outlook, humor also improves certain areas of your physical health.
- Cognitive: Practicing humor enhances memory and creative thinking skills as your brain works to remember funny moments or jokes and comes up with different variations. The more optimistic outlook on life that comes with humor can also help with insomnia, which in turn promotes brain health through healthy sleep patterns.
- Cardiovascular: The decrease in stress that comes with laughing leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Additionally, laughter helps regulate heart rhythm and improve blood circulation, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Respiratory: A hearty laugh acts as a workout for your diaphragm. It can improve cough efficacy and is especially effective for people with asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung issues.
Try It Out!
While humor and laughter might seem like things that happen under the right circumstances, there are ways that you can work on incorporating more humor into your life. The mental and physical benefits are worth the extra effort!
- Find a daily joke email or text group to join.
- Watch a comedy or attend a stand-up comedy show.
- Find a Laughter Yoga Session near you.
- Attend a game night or social event.
While technology is a great resource, face-to-face interactions provide the best opportunities for sharing a laugh with others. Try to engage in light-hearted conversations with others. Asking about their hobbies or pets are great ways to start conversations that end with a smile.
Too Overwhelmed to Laugh?
Sometimes life is a challenged and it can feel too overwhelming to even take a break for laughter. That is where our team of Aging Life Care Managers® is here to help! We work with seniors and family caregivers to find the best caregiving solutions for each situation. Call us today to see how we can help you manage the caregiving load and find the space to laugh again.
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