Humans are the only beings on Earth who have the ability to laugh, a skill that can help us in difficult times. We are blessed with this emotional reaction involving around 30 face muscles. Its psychological and physical benefits have led to the appearance of laughter therapies, which have become popular in recent years.

Depression therapy. According to sciencedirect.com there are currently two types of laughter-inducing therapies: spontaneous (humorous) and simulated (non-humorous). The first ones involve spontaneous humor, by telling and listening to jokes, doing improvisation exercises, and watching comedy videos.

They have a workshop for this! No joke!

The Laughter Workshop falls in the humorous category. It is a concept that combines theatre techniques, warm-ups, and improvisation games. Its main goal is to relax, to cheer up the participants, but also to develop their creativity and spontaneity.

Mike, 40, one of the participants in the Laughter Workshop, found it very cheerful. He recalls: “On my way to the workshop I was stressed out, thinking about problems at work. After the workshop, on my way home, I was relaxed, amused, and thinking about my next holiday”.

Well, there is no workshop going on now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is a chance you can catch a spot online!

Laughter Yoga

The Laughter Yoga is a specific example of simulated therapy: it is encouraged to be done in groups, involving clapping, and yoga techniques like breathing and relaxation exercises. This kind of yoga is now found in cities around the world.

But what are those medical benefits of laughter? Guffawing increases the release of endorphins which are responsible for bringing us joy and relaxation that can even temporarily relieve pain.  It also decreases stress and anxiety, so watching comedy videos and attending laughter sessions was found effective in treating depression. Moreover, laughter therapies increase optimism and self-esteem.

Laughter is not only a mood booster and also an immunity booster. While giggling, our bodies produce more antibodies and T-cells which are efficient against diseases. Another benefit is reducing blood pressure, according to scientific studies.  The Journal of Dental and Medical research published a 2017 study in which 40 patients who listened to audio comedy in the course of 8 weeks had lower blood pressure as a result. Laughter also improves the function of blood vessels and protects the heart. So, a joyful heart is a healthy heart.

Although we might not have access to different laughter therapies, we can always watch a comedy, read a good joke, a humorous book, or play with the kids and develop our ludic side. Because, as Lord Byron said: “Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.”

Thanks for the awesome pics Andrea Bertozzini, Kate Kozyrka & Derek Perez!