Seek Amusement

Humor can strengthen connections, enhance health and offer a fresh perspective on the complexities of the modern world. And there’s science behind it all.

Living a healthy lifestyle brings many glorious benefits, but there is one thing the world of wellness could stand to embrace: a sense of humor. Sure, life throws its serious moments at us, and we absorb them with the importance they deserve. Yet, there’s an ironic twist: The panacea for handling the weightiness of modern existence without buckling is, funny enough, laughter. Cracking up is built into our physiological engineering for a reason, say experts, acting as a release mechanism and serving a pivotal role. One of the most effective ways to boost well-being is also the easiest, most fundamental and deeply human, notes Dr. Lynn Saladino, a therapist in New York who specializes in the mind-body connection. In its simplicity, a chuckle doesn’t always get the acknowledgment it deserves as a powerful tool for amping up robust health. However, it’s high time we reconsider laughter’s value and reinstate it front and center in our packed schedules.

In a landscape that often requires a lot of hard work, something so effortless is truly refreshing.

We Can’t Build Bonds Without Humor.
Science tells us that laughter evolved as a communal activity; a part of our social fabric. A release of oxytocin, often dubbed the “bonding hormone” during moments of glee is neurochemical evidence that laughter is more than just a response to humor – it’s a binding force that serves as a universal language, fostering instant kinship. “Seeing things through a similar lens is often one of the biggest things people bond over. It helps us quickly identify commonalities,” says Dr. Saladino. “There is also a message of openness broadcasted from people smiling; it’s an indicator of low threat.” When we laugh, our guard drops, confidence grows and we exude a sense of relaxation, making it easier for us to really connect. It’s crucial for making new friends, but also for deepening the bonds we already have.

Giggling Dials Down Stress.
Cracking up is essentially a signal to our body that it’s OK to unwind, says Dr. Saladino. From an evolutionary standpoint, laughter is a clear indicator that the environment is safe – no need to be on high alert! It’s a response embedded in our biology: When we laugh, our bodies release a flood of feel-good hormones that spark pleasure and elation, and simultaneously diminish stress-related chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol. “It’s tough to be in fight-or-flight and laughing at the same time,” explains Dr. Saladino. “In addition, our body takes cues from our facial expressions. When there is a lot of tension in our face, it sends stress messages. Laughter does the opposite.” In the moment, giggling demands a genuine release, really letting go to joy and glee, and that is truly cathartic, continues Dr. Saladino. “Long-term, laughter acts as a mood regulator, fortifying our resilience against daily anxiety and spurring a more uplifted, positive outlook on life.”

Laughter Builds a Stronger Body.
Back in the mid-1960s, a man named Norman Cousins was diagnosed with a crippling, life-threatening illness. His self-prescribed medicinal protocol? Rolling with laughter. Convinced that emotions play a powerful role in human health and immunity, Norman devoted specific times during each day for good old belly laughs. Not only did he alleviate his severe pain, but he fully recovered, famously going on to write books about his experience and establishing the idea of laugh therapy. Thanks to Norman, further research into the mind- body connection continues and only gets stronger. What we’ve learned: Letting funny moments consume us leads to great body benefits. When we laugh, we take in more oxygen-rich air, which strengthens our heart, lungs and muscles. By also curbing the release of stress hormones like cortisol, laughing mitigates the wear and tear on our cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems. According to scientific research, laughing also directly leads to the production of immune cells and antibodies, providing our body with a more formidable defense mechanism. It can even make us sleep better! Laughing in the evening increases melatonin, the hormone that signals to our bodies it’s time to wind down, aiding in deeper rest, which is crucial for long- term vitality.

Comedy Makes Us More Creative.
We could consider laughter both a mental workout and exciting brain candy, activating and strengthening various neural pathways that make us quicker on our feet and more psychologically adaptable. Even a brief moment of giggling clears the fog of a demanding day, making space for fresh, experimental thoughts. As Dr. Saladino explains it: “Your brain’s first priority is survival, so if there is a lot of threatening stress in the system, it’s going to be laser-focused on self- preservation, not on being inventive or generous. But when we are less anxious through laughter, we have the mental freedom to achieve greater creativity and kindness.” A good chuckle is also a spontaneous event, and as we all know from experience, our reactions on the fly are often authentic and more interesting than anything we could ever pre-plan. And that’s the best fuel for innovation.