Is Laughter The Best Medicine?

Dr. Sasha Winkler explains:

Why we laugh

Physiologically speaking, laughter contracts your abdominal muscles, alters breathing, increases chest pressure, and can cause pain, weakness, or even tears. Nor are we the only species that do it, and not even just primates; laughter has been observed in at least 65 species, especially mammals and some birds, often during play.

Biologists believe it likely started as a signal of friendly intent during rough-and-tumble play among primates, and that in humans, i.e. with language and larger social groups, laughter became a tool to convey emotions, meanings, and social cues beyond play.

It’s pretty impactful, too; hearing laughter can activate a wide array of brain regions, prompting smiles or reciprocal laughs—people laugh more around others, even with the same level of amusement.

As for health benefits beyond the social aspects, it releases endorphins, lowers cortisol, supports stress management, and heart health.

For more on all of this, including the physiological differences between real and fake laughter, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

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Take care!