Laughter really may be the best medicine
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As more people look for simple ways to support their health and well-being, many turn to Michigan State University Extension for current information on topics like healthy eating, physical activity, keeping food safe and managing stress, all of which have clear health benefits. While making improvements in areas like exercise and stress management routines are well known ways to support health, there is a less commonly recognized approach that MSU Extension also teaches about and promotes.
Have you ever heard that old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine?” Increasingly, scientific research suggests that laughter may play a meaningful role in improving both our emotional and physical health. Rather than being just a moment of enjoyment, laughter can have a positive effect on many parts of the body and may support overall well-being in ways we are still learning about. Interestingly, humor and laughter are not the same thing. Humor is a cognitive process that involves how we perceive something as funny. Laughter is a physiological response, often occurring because of something humorous, but not always.
Humor is subjective, which means people may laugh at different things. Regardless of what a person thinks is funny, research shows that even forced laughter, without humor, can produce some of the same physiological benefits.
Physical benefits of laughter include:
- Expanding blood vessels, which increases blood flow throughout the body and may improve heart, muscle and brain health
- Elevating pain tolerance through the release of endorphins
- Increasing heart rate, providing a mild cardiovascular effect
- Boosting immune system function
Social and emotional benefits include:
- Reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Boosting mood through the release of endorphins
- Strengthening social connections, as laughter is often shared and contagious
- Reducing cortisol, which may improve memory as we age
There are many simple ways to incorporate more laughter into daily life. According to Michigan State University Extension, the following strategies may help:
- Slow down and take a breath. People who feel rushed or under pressure tend to laugh less, so creating a relaxed and supportive environment can make laughter more likely.
- Remember that laughter is contagious. Hearing someone laugh can positively influence others and often sparks shared laughter.
- Use props or playful activities. Watching a funny video, sharing jokes or doing something lighthearted can help create opportunities for laughter.
Next time you make a checklist of healthy habits, consider adding “laugh every day.” Sharing a genuine laugh can brighten mood, strengthen relationships and support overall well-being. Laughter is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest habits can lead to big rewards.
MSU Extension offers many programs that can help with stress management, including Mindfulness for Better Sleep and RELAX: Alternatives to Anger. The MSU Extension Mindfulness for Better Living page also has a variety of mindfulness exercises that you can explore and revisit whenever you like.
