LAUGHTER FOSTERS HAPPINESS & HAPPINESS FOSTERS LAUGHTER

Laughter and happiness share a powerful, two-way relationship: happiness often results in laughter, while the act of laughter itself can induce feelings of well-being and joy. Laughter serves as both a physical expression of internal happiness and a mechanism that actively improves mental and physical health, thus fostering greater happiness.

Old age isn't for wimps

“Old age ain't no place for sissies," was proclaimed by the legendary actress Bette Davis, who used it to describe the challenges of aging with her characteristic grit after overcoming serious illnesses. While we all have had to deal with illness and injuries throughout our lives, as we age, the incidence and severity of our health issues definitely increase. Many factors are out of our direct control, but the important element we do control is our attitude. Not only is it more enjoyable to have a positive attitude, it is also physically and mentally therapeutic.

 Laughter is a great enhancer of attitude and plays a significant role in longevity by reducing stress, boosting the immune system, improving heart health, and enhancing overall well-being. Studies show that people, especially women, who laugh more tend to live longer and have a lower risk of death from various causes. Alongside factors like maintaining strong social connections, remaining curious, and engaging in physical activities, laughter triggers a physical relaxation response, increases blood flow, and activates positive hormones, acting as a non-invasive way to improve health span and quality of life.

How Laughter Generates Happiness

Laughter directly impacts brain chemistry and physiology to create feelings of happiness:

 ·         Neurochemical Release Laughing triggers the brain to release "feel-good" neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. These chemicals promote an overall sense of pleasure, contentment, and improvement of overall mental well-being, which is linked to a longer life.

·         Stress Reduction Laughter activates and then cools down the body's stress response, decreasing stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. This process results in a calm, relaxed feeling and helps build resilience to future stressors, contributing to a more positive outlook.

·         Perspective Shift Humor provides a psychological distance from difficult situations, allowing you to view challenges in a less threatening and more realistic light. This shift in perspective makes problems seem more manageable and can lead to increased creativity in problem-solving.

·         Immune System Boost: It increases feel-good hormones and supports a healthier immune system, helping to fight off infections.

·         Cardiovascular Benefits: Laughter improves blood vessel function, increases blood flow, and can reduce the risk of heart disease-related deaths.

·         Physical Health Benefits: The physical act of laughing improves circulation and stimulates organs, enhancing oxygen intake and relaxing muscles for up to 45 minutes. These physical benefits indirectly support emotional health and well-being.

How Happiness Prompts Laughter

·         Genuine ("Duchenne") laughter: A natural, involuntary expression of positive emotions such as joy, mirth, and amusement. When people are happy or feel safe and connected, laughter is a spontaneous result.

·         The Social Connection: Shared Laughter is one of the most significant aspects of relationships. Laughter is fundamentally a social signal, and people are many times more likely to laugh when with others than when alone. Shared laughter acts as "social glue," strengthening bonds and improving relationships:

o   It builds trust and empathy, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among individuals.

o   Couples who laugh together report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness.

o   Shared humor can defuse conflict and tension, making it easier to communicate and resolve issues.

In essence, laughter serves as both a symptom and a generator of happiness, creating an upward spiral of positive emotion, improved health, and stronger relationships

 PS

·         A 15-year Norwegian study found that women who laughed more often had significantly lower risks of death from heart disease and infection.

·         A study on baseball players showed those who smiled in their photos lived longer than non-smilers.

·         Early Indicator: Low laughter frequency has been linked to a higher risk of future functional disability, suggesting that a paucity of laughter is an early sign of declining health.

·         Laughter as a tool for health can be incorporated into activities as a simple, non-invasive strategy to improve health, particularly for older adults. There are many comedic streaming series, humorous podcasts, and local standup performances to follow. Laughter is contagious and being around fun-loving friends that are upbeat and jovial is a strong influence that cheers one’s soul.

·         Laughter is considered a key part of a healthy lifestyle, alongside maintaining strong social connections, staying curious, and engaging in physical activity.