Laughter and Depression

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Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.

This is how one can perceive the benefits of laughter at the end, since the suffering remains same, but the reactions towards the sufferings can make a difference at the end. At least from the cleanup perspective.

How Laughter can affect health - Some History?

The concept that laughing can promote health whether mentally or physically was first bought forward by no research but by a best seller writer, Norman Cousins in the book Anatomy of an Illness. There are some evidences of postulations from the past about the benefits of laughter for the purposes of health and cure. Like the anecdote from the seventeenth century which says - A good clown in the village can do more for its better health than 20 donkeys burdened with medicines.

Laughter can sharpen the parts of the immune system which can affect the health positively. It can lighten up the T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, attributed with destruction of disease causing microorganisms. Laughter also raises the production of immunity-boosting gamma interferon. It can also help in production of better and newer immune cells. Stress hormone cortisol is also reduced by the help of laughter making our immune system stronger.

According to another prominent research, the average kid in kindergarten laughs about 300 times a day and an adult about 17 times a day. Laughter is the best cure or medicine for different types of mood disorders including depression.

Benefits of laughter on Mental Health

1. Laughter strengthens the immune system, hence we feel better

2. Laughing lowers the blood pressure stopping or preventing the release of cortisol.

3. Laughter help in release of endorphins which are also known as natural painkillers.

4. Natural relaxation can also be achieved by laughing. It increases the creativity within us and helps us see the new perspective of things.

Different Forms of Laughter Cure Techniques

Laughter yoga groups are very popular these days, which involves many people coming together to participate in exercises which has explicit forced laughter. It is originated from the belief that, we do not need a joke or a very suitable condition to laugh. At the end, laughter cannot solve your problems but it can prep you up with the energy to face the problems.

There is a social aspect as well of this therapy, which can create a feeling of connectedness.

1. Laughter dissolves distressing emotions.
2. Laughter helps you relax and recharge.
3. Stress reduction and increase in energy are some of effects of laughter.
4. Humor shifts perspective, creates psychological distance, hence shifting your whole approach towards problems to be more creative and beneficial.