Laught Often!

A very common saying is "Laugther is the best medicine."  Lee S. Berk of Loma Linda Unversity has done much research on the effects of "mirthful laughter."  This type of joyous laughter is considered a eustress  or positive stressed as discussed by Dr. Montag in lecture 1 of Module 2 for this class.  Berk conducted some experiments on anticipatory mirthful laughter, as in, the subjects would know that they are about to watch their favorite funny movie, and the experimenters would take blood samples before during and after the movie that caused mirthful laughter.  They found that endorphins and human growth hormone was increased before starting the movie with anticipation of the movie, and it stayed out those levels during and after the movie as well.   This research from Berk also found that laughter diminishes cortisol and epinephrine as well as strengthens the immune system.  She even claims that that body responds to laughter in the same way that moderate exercise does.   I have already felt that laughter has many health benefits physically, emotionally, socially, and physiologically.   An interesting finding in this research was that the anticipation of mirthful laughter also had the physiologically effects of laughter.  Optimism and looking forward to the future can be a positive stressor.  This could be a helpful reminder for individuals and managers to try to plan, organize, or create things that people can look forward to in order to have another eustress.   There are so many health benefits to laughter.  Maybe that is why babies laugh so often and so joyously! Laughter truly seems to be a great medicine that can and should be used as often as possible.

"Endocrinology; Just the expectation of laughter boosts endorphins and human growth hormones." Science Letter via NewsRx.com.  April 21, 2006.