5/19/2009 - by Tyler Wirth,
Owner/Editor HumorInfusion.com
Anatomy of a
Laugh
The Encyclopedia
Britannica defines laughter as “rhythmic, vocalized, expiratory
and involuntary actions”. Okay, so that’s the definition, but
what happens in your body as a result of
laughter?
Physical
Changes
Laughter stimulates your immune system.
Your lymph system revs up and eliminates toxins from your
system. T-cells and antibodies increase production to boost
the immune system. Epinephrine and cortisol, two stress
hormones, are reduced, resulting in less feelings of
anxiety.
A University of Maryland study found that laughter is linked
to improving blood vessel function by causing the lining to
expand and thus increase blood flow. This lining, the
endothelium, is compromised in hardening of the arteries.
Laughing may be a key to keeping the endothelium healthy. In
fact, the positive endothelium changes were similar to the
changes seen in aerobic exercise!
The “expiratory action” of laughter
cleanses the bronchial tubes in the lungs and oxygenates the
blood, assisting in better breathing and less chronic
respiratory conditions.
Regular laughter improves circulation and
blood pressure which leaves you feeling more
energized.
Mental and Emotional
Changes
Endorphins released during laughter result
in improved mood. Laughing can lift depression by diverting
you from your stressors. Try worrying while you are
laughing… it isn’t easy! Laughter can help you to diffuse
difficult situations and cope with problems. It puts others
around you at ease and helps with bonding and makes for a
more comfortable environment.
There are numerous studies that point to
the benefits of smiling and laughter, indicating positive
effects not only in your physical and mental states, but in
relationships with others as well. When you smile and laugh,
others perceive you as a pleasant person and are more likely
to respond positively towards you.
The Proof
Perhaps the most famous example of the
healing power of laughter can be found in the book
Anatomy
Of An Illness
by Norman Cousins.
Cousins was hospitalized for a degenerative spinal disease. He
was in great pain and his condition was unimproved by the
medical treatment he was receiving. Taking control of his own
treatment (while consulting with his doctor), he checked out of
the hospital and began to experiment with the idea that
positive emotions can change body chemistry. Armed with Marx
Brothers movies, Cousins discovered that a good belly laugh
allowed him 2 hours of pain free sleep. The laughter released
endorphins which in turn acted as a natural pain killer. The
boosted immune response of his body also aided his improved
health. I recommend Cousins’ book, not only to those suffering
from pain and illness, but for everyone interested in the
healing power of laughter.
Regular, and by that I mean
several times per day, laughter can provide enormous rewards.
Physically, you can see increased resistance to illness and
improved health. Mental changes include improved mood and
enhanced relationships as well as reduced stress levels. With
all of the amazing positives of daily laughter, what are you
waiting for? Seek out that coworker who always has a new joke,
check out the latest viral video on YouTube, grab a Marx
Brothers dvd on the way home, or pick up that funny Dave Barry
book you’ve been meaning to read. Your body and mind will thank
you for it!
Humor
Infusion
Recommended
Reading:
Anatomy Of An
Illness
,
Laughter The Best
Medicine
,
Humor: The Psychology of Living Buoyantly 
,
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