Why laughing is good for your health, according to experts
March 19 is National Let’s Laugh Day.
Did you know laughter offers both physical and mental health benefits?
“There’s actually some connections to stress relief but also a long-term impact of improving your immune system,” said Kia-Rai Prewitt, PhD, psychologist. “So, when you have reduced stress, that could have positive effects and whether or not you get sick.”
Other health benefits of laughing include increasing oxygen to your body and also increasing blood flow, which in turn can help your heart.
Laughing can strengthen social bonds, too. For example, if you’re meeting someone new, you may use humor to break the ice and make them feel more comfortable.
Speaking of humor, is one kind better than the another?
Dr. Prewitt said not really, unless of course it’s at the expense of someone else.
Everyone is going to find different topics or situations funny, what matters is that it brings you joy.“There are so many different ways to laugh,” said Dr. Prewitt. “It’s just important to take a break. I’ve always emphasized self-care and one way to engage in self-care is to allow yourself to have fun. It’s really a good way to disconnect, but also to reset yourself.”She notes there is a time and place for laughter.
If you find yourself laughing at inappropriate moments, it may be worth talking with a therapist to understand why.
This story was originally published March 24, 2024 at 6:00 AM.