humor therapy

Everyone knows how much better they can feel after a good, hearty belly laugh. But there are more benefits to humor than just a feeling of joy and amusement. Apart from the widely recognized fact that feeling good is a big step toward getting healthy, laughter has a number of direct affects on the overall physical health of an individual. It both stimulates production of endorphins, a natural painkiller and euphoriant, and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which contributes to high blood pressure and other conditions. Laughing also exercises a large number of muscles, with substantial benefits for cardiovascular health.

The introduction of “healing with humor” into hospitals has accelerated over the last several years, as medical professionals recognize the benefits of laughter in fighting disease, speeding the healing of injuries, and alleviating the loneliness and confinement commonly felt by hospital-bound patients.

Finding the humor in a bad situation is always a big step in dealing with it; and it’s a good idea to remember that laughter is contagious-- making someone else laugh will probably start you up too. It is also an effective preventative “therapy,” and of course, doesn’t have to cost anything-- for example, take time out to watch a pet or a child act silly, or do something silly yourself (do a little dance, sing badly, make rude noises, the possibilities are endless).

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