Nicole Blaine
Laughter is the best medicine served by comedic relief. Studies have shown that laughter and comedy have a positive effect on the mind and can actually boost your mental health.
When you laugh, you release endorphins called dopamine and serotonin.
Dopamine
Neuroscientists consider dopamine or “happy chemicals” the pathway to pleasure. There are many things that can trigger the brain to release dopamine, but laughter is literally the best medicine.
Serotonin
Serotonin is a chemical the brain produces that helps reduce depression. When someone has depression, it’s because of a chemical imbalance. The brain isn’t producing enough endorphins, like serotonin.
The fundamental difference between dopamine and serotonin is what each chemical regulates. Dopamine is a chemical the brain produces that makes us “feel good” whereas serotonin reduces depression.
How Comedy Shows Can Boost Mental Health
The release of endorphins has a positive effect on your mental health. It’s without saying that laughter and comedy have many mental health benefits. This is where the importance of comedy shows comes into play.
The ways laughter from comedy shows can boost mental health and improve your life are:
Stress Relief
Laughter reduces stress. When work or other responsibilities triggers stress and something makes you laugh, it’s as if the stress evaporates.
Pain Tolerance
According to a neuroscience study, laughing releases endorphins that make you happy. When those endorphins trigger feelings of happiness, people can endure 10 to 15 percent more pain.
Social Bonding
Laughter is a source of bonding used all over the world. When you laugh with friends, family members, co-workers, or just about anyone else, you create a social bond between you and that person or people.
Think about the last time you watched a stand-up comedian or some kind of comedy show with someone. Do you remember the fun you had with the other person and the joy you shared? That’s a form of social bonding.
Organ Stimulation
Not only do laughter and comedy shows increase your mental health, they have positive effects on your internal health. When you laugh, you’re taking deeper, oxygen-rich breaths, filling your lungs with clean air.
Laughter stimulates your organs, like your lungs, heart, and muscles.
Ever laugh so hard your stomach hurts? You’re actually working out the muscles in your abdomen. So technically, you’re getting a small workout when you laugh hysterically.
Eases Tension
Laughter stimulates circulation and blood flow. The extra circulation of blood flow is beneficial to your muscles.
In a way, laughter melts away the tension in your neck, shoulders, and other muscles that may be tight.
Long-Term Health Benefits
Other than the positive effects comedy and laughter have on your mental health, the two combined have long-term health benefits, such as;
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- Improved immune system
- Improved mood and mental health
- Relieve pain
- Soothe tension
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Laughter is essential for your mental health. Engage in anything that can make you laugh. Laughing for at least 10 minutes a day can have significant health benefits.
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Find out more about new contributor Nicole Blaine right here.
It’s amazing how visiting a comedy bar or theater could help you feel more positive about life since it uplifts your mood! My friend is interested in helping his uncle recover from the loss of his special someone last year. I should recommend that they visit a comedy theater where they can try this out.