Laughter and Stress Relief: How a Giggle Lowers Cortisol Levels
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an all-too-familiar companion for many of us. From demanding work schedules to personal responsibilities, the pressures of modern life can feel overwhelming. Chronic stress not only affects our mental well-being but can also lead to serious physical health issues if left unmanaged. So, how do we combat this pervasive problem? One powerful and often overlooked remedy is laughter.
Did you know that laughter isn’t just a source of joy—it’s also a natural stress reliever? Studies have shown that laughter can reduce cortisol levels, a key stress hormone, by up to 36.7% in a single session. That’s a powerful reason to bring more laughter into your life!
But how does laughter achieve this magical effect? Let’s explore the fascinating science behind it.
Why Laughter is So Good for You
When you laugh, a fascinating chain reaction unfolds in your brain and body, creating a powerful stress-busting effect. Here’s how it works step-by-step:
- Laughter triggers the limbic system.
- The amygdala and hippocampus, key areas of the brain that process emotions, shift focus from stress-related emotions like fear or anxiety to the positive emotional stimulus of laughter.
- This shift sends calming signals to the hypothalamus, which controls the body’s stress responses.
- The hypothalamus dials down the stress response.
- With reduced input from the limbic system, the hypothalamus decreases its activation of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, which governs cortisol production.
- Neurochemicals amplify the calming effect.
- Laughter triggers the release of dopamine (pleasure), serotonin (mood stabilisation), and endorphins (natural pain relief). These chemicals further soothe the hypothalamus and reinforce the drop in cortisol levels.
- The nervous system shifts into relaxation mode.
- With cortisol reduced, the body transitions from the “fight or flight” state governed by the sympathetic nervous system into the “rest and digest” state of the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calmness and recovery.
It’s an incredible example of how something as simple as laughing can transform your mood and physiology in just moments!
What Makes Us Laugh: The Unique Nature of Humour
Laughter is universal, but what triggers it is as unique as each individual. Our sense of humour reflects our personalities, cultures, and life experiences.
Think about it – what makes you laugh the hardest? For some, it’s the absurdity of slapstick comedy, where people trip over banana peels or get hit with cream pies. Others prefer the sharp edge of sarcasm, finding joy in dry, biting wit that says one thing but means another.
There are those who love the clever twists of wordplay and puns, while others are drawn to the quick, cutting exchanges of ironic humour, where reality and expectation collide in unexpected ways. And let’s not forget dark humour, which finds levity in life’s more serious or taboo topics.
The beauty of laughter lies in its individuality. What makes one person howl with delight might leave another scratching their head—and that’s perfectly fine. Your unique sense of humour is part of what makes you, you.
So, as we explore ways to incorporate laughter into daily life, embrace what makes you laugh. Whether it’s a stand-up routine dripping with sarcasm, the goofy antics of a sitcom character, or a friend’s cheeky one-liner, seek out the things that tickle your funny bone.
Your Monthly Laughter Challenge: Find the Funny in the Everyday
This month, let’s make laughter a daily habit. Here are some simple ways to bring more joy into your routine:
- Choose a funny podcast to lighten your mood during commutes or chores.
- Watch a comedy show or movie that always makes you laugh.
- Scroll through funny videos during lunch to break up your workday stress.
- Pick up a humorous book for bedtime reading.
- Try a laughter yoga class—you’ll laugh even if you’re sceptical at first!
Your Call to Action: Write Down What Made You Laugh
To track your laughter journey, at the end of each week, write down three things that made you laugh. Reflect on how they made you feel and how they shifted your mood.
By the end of the month, you’ll have a collection of joyful moments to look back on- and a new habit that has many many benefits. Join us on this journey to embrace laughter in every aspect of life! Share your experiences on social media using our hashtag #AofBGiggleGalleryChallenge, and let’s spread the joy together!
Let’s get started and see how laughter transforms your month!