General benefits of laughter clubs

Laughter helps everyone become less stressed while enjoying life more. Laughter therapy can be used by anyone with virtually any level of physical or mental ability. Laughter integrates well with other programs to improve health and well-being.

Physiological benefits

A good bout of laughter reduces the levels of stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol. Laughter increases the levels of endorphins in our bodies, which are natural pain killers.

Laughter supports the immune system by increasing the body’s T-cell count. T-cells are cells of the immune system that kill invading bacteria. Researchers have also found that laughter therapy increases antibodies in saliva that combat upper respiratory infections.

Laughter improves the functioning of the lungs, the diaphragm, and the abdominal muscles used in breathing. It is a good exercise for those suffering from asthma and bronchitis because it improves the lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood. (Note: In a small percentage of cases, individuals with asthma may get a little aggravation by doing any exercise (exercise-induced asthma), and such individuals should consult their doctors before taking up laughter therapy.) Laughter aids ventilation and helps clear mucus plugs. It may therefore help alleviate respiratory conditions like emphysema.

Laughter benefits the heart and circulatory system. It helps to regulate blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones and by bringing relaxation. Those who are suffering from heart disease and have stabilized on medication will find that laughter improves the blood circulation and oxygen supply to the heart muscles. Those who have had heart attacks or have undergone bypass surgery can also participate in a laughter club's laughter therapy.

Laughter supports the health and functioning of the internal organs. It enhances their blood supply and increases their efficiency. It has been compared to magic fingers, which reach into the interior of the abdomen and give a health-inducing massage.

The physiological benefits of laughter are similar to those of aerobic exercise. Laughter increases our energy level. It is a natural pick-me-up, perhaps because, while we are laughing, we are increasing our intake of oxygen. Laughter enhances blood oxygen levels and boosts circulation. Some variations of laughter exercise are also suited for sedentary people and those who are confined to a bed or wheelchair.

Laughter enhances a youthful appearance. Laughter is an excellent exercise for your facial muscles. It tones up the facial muscles and improves facial expressiveness. It increases the blood supply to the face, which nourishes the facial skin and helps make it glow. Laughing people look more cheerful and attractive. By squeezing the tear glands, laughter moistens the eyes, adding a little sparkle to them.

Emotional/psychological benefits

Laughter makes us feel good! It facilitates releasing joyful expression more easily and more often. Laughter lifts enthusiasm, morale and motivation. It facilitates openness to change.

Laughter can be said to be a form of dynamic meditation or relaxation. While laughing, our conscious thought processes and our senses naturally combine in harmony to give joy, peace and relaxation.

Laughter creates a sense of well-being. After 15 minutes of laughter in the morning, we are much more likely to feel fresh throughout the day. Laughter can bring about an emotional high, which can enable problems, especially those of a stressful nature, to be seen from a different perspective. Laughter assists recovery from diseases like anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness.

Laughter enhances self-confidence by increasing the body’s relaxation level. Participating in a laughter club removes our inhibitions, and, over a period of time, we become more sociable, unreserved and outgoing. We develop self-confidence and leadership qualities.

Mental acuity

Laughter increases catecholamines, which are known to boost mental function. Therefore, laughter improves mental alertness, memory and interpersonal responsiveness. Laughter fosters better balance between right-brain and left-brain functions. It increases memory retention and creativity in problem solving.

Interpersonal relationships

Laughter develops the sense of humor. A sense of humor is commonly mentioned as a romantically attractive trait. Laughter improves relationships and can bring about amazing changes in people’s personal lives.

Building community

Laughter helps us to bond with each other and leads directly to feelings of well-being and a sense of community. Laughter sounds the same across cultures. Laugh and the world laughs with you.