Why Laughter Deserves its Own Day (or Two)
March signals the arrival of spring with longer and brighter days and new life emerging in nature. It’s also a perfect time to focus on the science of laughter given March 19 is Let’s Laugh Day and March 20 has been designated the International Day of Happiness by the United Nations.
And let’s face it, who couldn’t use a little more laughter in their life?
While laughing seems like a simple reaction to something funny, science shows that it actually plays a powerful role in reducing stress, improving heart health, and strengthening social connections.
The Science Behind Laughter
Laughter is more than just a reaction—it’s a complex response that lights up multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for motor control, emotions, and problem-solving. This makes it a multi-faceted beneficial process for both the mind and body.
1. The Physical Benefits of Laughter
- Reduces stress hormones – Laughing lowers cortisol levels, helping to combat the negative effects of stress
- Boosts the immune system – Laughter increases the production of antibodies and activates immune cells, helping your body fight illness
- Improves heart health – A good laugh increases blood flow and improves vascular function, similar to the effects of exercise
- Burns calories – Laughing for 10–15 minutes can burn up to 50 calories. While it is not a replacement for physical activity, it certainly provides measurable benefits!
Curious about how laughter impacts your brain? This ‘How Laughter Works’ article provides some great information and an explainer video.
2. How Laughter Affects Your Mental Well-Being
Often called “nature’s antidepressant”, laughter triggers the release of serotonin, a chemical affecting emotions, sleep, and overall well-being. A little background – anti-depressant medications essentially slow down the reabsorption of serotonin, making it more readily available to regulate emotions. Laughter naturally boosts the production and release of serotonin, and research has shown that laughing helps:
- Enhance mood
- Reduce anxiety
- Help reframe stressful situations so they are easier to manage
- Improve memory and cognitive function by stimulating multiple brain regions
3. Laughter Strengthens Social Bonds
Humans are social creatures and laughter helps us connect with others. Research show that:
- People laugh 30 times more often in social settings than when alone
- Laughter as a shared experience promotes trust and builds connection
- Laughing helps defuse conflicts and improve relationships
Infants laugh before they learn to speak, helping strengthen bonds with caregivers. And throughout our lifetime, laughter continues to be an essential tool for social bonding.
Celebrating Laughter Every Day
While Let’s Laugh Day and International Day of Happiness are acknowledged every March 19th and 20th respectively , why not celebrate laughing every day?
Here are a few ideas to help boost your happiness and share some laughs:
- Watch a funny movie or stand-up comedy special
- Spend time with people who make you laugh
- Read a joke book or listen to a comedy podcast
- Practice laughter yoga
- Reflect on or jot down three funny moments from your day
Like others, laughter is a habit and can be sparked with practice!
Learn more about the International Day of Happiness by visiting the United Nations’ official page.
Toddlers Laugh the Most
Could the reason so many adults look back on their childhood as a time of innocence and happiness be because we laughed more? Consider that the average adult laughs 17 times a day, compared to the average toddler who laughs about 400 times a day!
Many adults do not laugh as much as they should – perhaps due to stress, work, and everyday responsibilities. However, making time to laugh more often can have significant health benefits.
Want to see and hear how laughter works in the brain? Check out this Science of Laughter video.
Laughter as a Part of a Holistic Approach to Health
At Alliance Chiropractic, our focus is on musculoskeletal health and treatment, but we also aim to provide information and resources that support overall well-being. Laughter is a fantastic natural way to support patient wellness, providing physical, social, emotional, and physiological benefits.
Want to see a future topic covered or have questions? Contact us today.
Happy Let’s Laugh Day and International Day of Happiness!
Information for this blog was sourced from: TimeandDate, BlueZone, UN.org, and HowStuffWorks
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