Laughter has long been known to have healing properties, both mentally and physically. People use laughter as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, and even pain. But when worry and stress take over every aspect of your life, humor can be a powerful form of self-care.
If you doubt the healing power of humor for the mind and body, this article is for you. From the research-backed benefits of laughter to helpful tips on using funny photos to manage conflicts, the following piece will show you how effective laughter can be in different aspects of our lives. Read on to discover more!
How can laughter help one's body, mind, and social life
Not only can laughter make you feel good, but it can also benefit your body, mind, and social life. Find out how in the following three chapters.
How a funny photo and good laughter can benefit your health
It’s only natural that funny pictures from Depositphotos make you smile or even laugh. However, do you know what happens after that? A simple change on your face can alter your brain chemistry and release feel-good chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.
There are even more benefits to laughter. Here are some of them.
Laughter strengthens the immune system
Laughter improves immune system function by increasing antibodies and activating T-cells, which help fight infections and diseases.
Laughter promotes muscle relaxation
Prolonged laughter has been proven to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation of the entire body.
Laughter acts as an antidepressant and pain reliever
After a good laugh, the body releases natural feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Endorphins can ease your pain, while serotonin can help fight depression.
Laughter reduces the risk of heart attack
Laughter has been shown to improve blood vessel function and blood flow. Laughter therapy is also effective in treating inflammation in the body and lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Laughter stimulates organs
With a portion of good laughter, a person can stimulate the brain, heart, and lungs, as well as various muscles of the body. This stimulation promotes cell regeneration and improves organ health.
Laughter prolongs life
People with a strong sense of humor are more likely to live longer, a 15-year study suggests. Laughter is a natural coping mechanism that can help people deal with stress and life's challenges.
Laughter helps burn calories
Scientists have found that laughing for only 10–15 minutes a day can burn around 40 calories, which equals about four pounds of weight loss in a year.
What laughter can do for your mental health
Stressful life events can take a toll on our mental health, but laughter can help counteract the negative effects.
Laughter relieves stress
A good chuckle improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles, and decreases heart rate. This combination helps fight stress hormones and get a feeling of relaxation.
Laughter can help fight depression
An imbalance of certain chemicals in the human brain contributes to the development of depression. Serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which are produced during laughter, help regulate mood and fight symptoms of depression.
Laughter distracts from distressing emotions
Funny pictures, jokes, and laughter can de-emphasize negative thoughts and emotions. As a result, a person can break the cycle of harmful worrying.
Laughter brings people together
Shared laughter can serve as a reason to bond with other people, helping make friends and form new connections.
Laughter makes you a better worker
Good laughter can boost your motivation and productivity at work, as well as increase your ability to process information, improve communication, and decision-making.
The social benefits of laughter
Aside from feel-good emotions, laughter can also bring many social benefits.
Laughter helps gain trust
Whether at work, with friends, or in new company, a well-made joke can make you more likable. Use it as a way to break the ice and build trust with others.
Humor helps with conflict resolution
If you find yourself in the middle of a conflict, use humor. It can help defuse tension and resolve disagreements more easily.
Laughter increases your social attractiveness
People who laugh and use humor are often perceived as more friendly, approachable, and attractive. Thus, laughter can increase your social desirability and help you make connections.
Laughter enhances teamwork
In a work environment, a team that laughs together is more likely to work well together. So, share jokes and show funny photos of people to colleagues to improve teamwork.
How to use fun pictures to manage conflicts
Humor is known to be a good remedy for conflicts. Whether to diffuse tension, lighten the mood, or break the ice, humor can help you deal with uncomfortable situations.
One way to make a person laugh or smile is through funny pictures. When in disagreement:
- Use memes that make fun of the situation;
- Send the funniest stock photos to apologize or lighten the situation;
- Utilize comical GIFs to help ease the tension.
Tips to make yourself and others laugh more
Even fake laughter has a positive impact on mood and health. So why not practice laughing more often? Here are some tips to bring more laughter into your life.
1. Use funny pictures of people, animals, and plants
Whether you’re sending memes in a work chat or using a funny photo in a friend’s chat, sharing funny pictures is a great way to make people laugh.
2. Share funny stories
What was an embarrassing situation in the past can become a funny story in the future. Don’t be afraid to share silly moments from your life. They can often cause a lot of laughs.
3. Play laugh-inducing games
Games like Twister, Pictionary, and Charades are designed to be funny. Try to play these games regularly with friends, colleagues, or family to get more laughs.
4. Spend time with the right people
If you know somebody who frequently laughs and can make you laugh, make it a priority to spend time with them often. Laughter is contagious and can uplift your spirits.
5. Attend live comedy shows
Go to comedy clubs or improv shows to experience an atmosphere of shared laughter that can boost your mood.
Summing up
Laughter truly is the best medicine, and using fun pictures to elicit laughter is the easiest way to brighten someone's day. So the next time you're feeling down, don't underestimate the healing power of a good laugh (even if it's not sincere).