Laughter is the Best Medicine
We can think of laughter’s impact on our neurochemicals as a form of antidepressants for the brain. As noted by Lee S. Berk in a study on laughter as a “fool-proof prescription,” our healthcare system has a tendency to “compartmentalize different specialities. We have physiology, biochemistry, endocrinology, and neurology all taught separately, but when we start to look at the whole person, we can see how interconnected the human body really is.” So, next time you are feeling symptoms of overwhelming anxiety, your digestion is a bit off, or you are underneath a stressful workload, open up the medicine cabinet that is available to you anytime, anyplace, and have yourself a good laugh.
Laughing reduces the levels of stress hormones and increases “happy hormones.” You know that “high” you might feel after a great, uncontrollable laugh? We have our “happy hormones” to thank for that. Two of our most prominent happy hormones are dopamine and endorphins. Dopamine is released when your brain receives a reward. Dopamine is involved in countless bodily functions to promote a thriving body, mind, and spirit. These functions include but are not limited to blood flow, digestion, memory and focus, motor control, and SO MUCH MORE. Endorphins are hormones that enhance our sense of pleasure, while minimizing our pain. They are a unique part of our reward circuits and produce a feeling of euphoria. Increasing these happy hormones is one major piece of the puzzle to achieving your best and healthiest self.
Here are just a few of our favorite ways to find smiles, joy, and a bit of humor in our day to day:
Start with a smile - you might be surprised by the emotions that can follow this simple act
Watch a short, hilarious clip from a TV show that is sure to strike your funny bone
Call an old friend and reminisce over those unforgettable moments that never fail to crack you up
Before your next trip to the pharmacy or apothecary, take inventory of your personal medicine cabinet. Make sure it is fully stocked with positivity, love, and laughter.