by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
Does getting old always mean poor health and disease? The answer is – not always! If you can laugh, you may be able to stave off some of the common features of old age.
Read on and see how a regular bout of laughing can help fend off the years and keep you forever young!
-
Laughter raises levels of endorphins, elevates mood and lowers levels of anxiety
When we laugh, humour provides a stimulus to the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland to produce the neurotransmitters, adrenaline and noradrenaline. Levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, are reduced. Humour also stimulates the production of endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers, which lift mood. As a result, laughter lowers levels of anxiety.
-
Laughter improves motivation
Laughter results in increased levels of the reward hormone, dopamine. This helps us feel good, and more positive so that we are able to move forwards. Laughter is therefore motivating. On the other hand, lack of motivation is a cause of procrastination, which is known to have harmful effects on our health.
-
Laughter produces gamma waves
Laughing is associated with specific types of brain waves called gamma waves. These are typically seen in people who regularly meditate. They are also associated with higher cognitive processes and play a role in establishing memory in the elderly. Neuroscientists think that humour therapy can be used as a way of ensuring good brain health.
-
Laughter can treat lung diseases
The process of laughing leads to forced contractions of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles – the muscles that move the ribs up and down. This means the lungs work harder at taking in air, and also, to force air out. Laughter can help make forced expiration more efficient. A good sense of humour has been shown to improve the quality of life in those with chronic lung conditions such as COPD or asthma.
-
The body views laughing as a bout of exercise
Cardiologists believe that the heart responds to laughter in a similar way to exercise. When tested while laughing, heart tests showed that laughter causes the heart to beat more forcefully, with a greater cardiac output, and a relatively lower oxygen requirement. In addition, peripheral vascular resistance was also lowered, meaning blood vessels were more relaxed, giving less resistance for the heart to pump against.
-
Laughing boosts your immune system
Various research studies have shown higher levels of Natural Killer (NK) cells in those who display a good sense of humour as compared to those who do not. In one study, subjects watched either a humorous or a distressing video, and had blood samples taken before and after the show. Higher NK cell levels were linked to watching a humorous programme, whereas levels were lower in those who watched something distressing.
Low NK activity results in increased susceptibility to infection in people who already have lowered immunity. NK cells are T and B lymphocytes that kill virus-infected cells and tumour cells.
-
Laughing is good for bonding
Psychologists rank having a sense of humour as one of 24 essential character strengths. Don’t underestimate the social effects of laughter. When you laugh – the world laughs with you. Laughter is like smiling and kindness. When you do these things, you encourage others to respond positively to you. Making social connections, and having strong bonds with those around you, are essential to prevent loneliness.
Final thoughts
Experts even propose laughter could be given as a doctor’s prescription, for example –
An example of a laughter prescription –
- (F) Frequency: once a week
- (I) Intensity: belly laughing
- (T) Time: 30 minutes
- (T) Type: your favourite sit-com
Sounds good to me!
