We know the importance of laughter in our lives, and how it can help to boost our mood. But is a good giggle good for your brain, too?
Is laughter really the best medicine for our brain?
We take laughter for granted, don't we? Yet, when we laugh, our brain undergoes a series of complex yet fascinating changes. Research shows that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good chemicals - and we feel this release of hormomes in our body as a heightened happiness and sense of positivity.
But did you know the 'magic' of laughter goes much further than a sense of happiness. In fact, it can help improve our mental wellbeing - but further than that, it has a profound impact on the health of our brain. That's because laughter activates the brain’s 'reward system', engaging the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which is involved in processing rewards and positive emotions.
Laughter also leads to a decrease in stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, and this reduction in stress significantly improves our mood and allows us to feel more relaxed and happy. By reducing cortisol, we might also see lower risk of inflammation in the brain and body which can be the underlying cause of many health issues.
Why is laughter important for cognitive function?
When we laugh, we are not only improving our mood but also stimulating brain regions that are involved in complex cognitive processes. Laughter requires a series of cognitive functions such as understanding, interpreting, and responding to humour, which can enhance our mental sharpness and creativity.
Having a good laugh has also been linked to improved memory and learning capabilities. Research has shown that humour and laughter can increase the retention of information and enhance problem-solving skills, partly because when we laugh, the brain's neocortex is stimulated. This is the area responsible for 'higher thinking' and decision making.
So, amazingly, by simply engaging in activities or spending time with people that make us laugh more we are effectively keeping our noggin sharp, agile and healthy.
Does it help with ageing of our brain?
The short answer - maybe! We know that as we age, our cognitive abilities will decline naturally. But by incorporating laughter into our day to day life, it may be able to help with some of the negative effects of ageing.
In fact, studies suggest that laughter may help protect against cognitive decline by increasing blood flow to the brain, thereby promoting brain health. Enhanced circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which is essential for maintaining cognitive functions and preventing the onset of neurodegenerative conditions.
Importantly, laughter can help mitigate the impact of stress and anxiety, which are known contributors to cognitive decline. By reducing stress levels, laughter supports overall brain health and can potentially delay cognitive impairment that we naturally experience as we age.
The best giggle is shared
Let's face it, the best laughter is shared laughter. We all know that delicious feeling of peeling into raptures of giggles and the bonding that it creates with our friends and family. In fact, laughter fosters social bonds with those around us, and has a positive impact on our social interactions, making us more appealable to others for friendship and relationships. And ultimately, it's this social connection that is really important for a healthy brain - and has even been shown to help mititage the risk of dementia as we get older.
Laughter also contributes to something called a 'positive feedback loop' which has been shown to be beneficial for our mental health. When we laugh with others, it reinforces our social bonds, boosts our mood and gives us a sense of validation and likeability, which in turn makes us more likely to engage in positive social interactions. This continuous cycle of social engagement and laughter contributes to a more fulfilling and cognitively stimulating life.
How can you bring more laughter into your life?
Now we understand more about the benefit of laughter, how can we bring mroe giggles and humour that tickles us into our lives? After all, if you are feeling stressed, or experiencing low mood or anxiety, it might feel like laughter and 'letting go' is challenging, even when we know it can help our mood enormously.
Try to think of simple ways to find more opportunity to giggle. Simple activities like watching a comedy film, attending a stand-up show, or sharing jokes with friends can bring more laughter into our lives. Even finding humour in everyday situations and allowing ourselves to enjoy light-hearted moments can make a difference.
Additionally, seeking out social interactions that make us laugh can be particularly beneficial. Engaging in activities with friends or joining groups that focus on shared interests and humour can provide ample opportunities for laughter and social connection.
