Research shows laughter has a positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing and can stimulate the release of the feel-good hormones, endorphins. Yet in today’s high-pressure world of anxiety and mental disorders, laughter is fast disappearing. According to a study by Psychologist Dr Michael Titze, people laughed for 18 minutes a day in the 1950’s, whereas today it’s not more than 6 minutes….despite the huge increase in the standard of living today!
Jokes also help people connect. Sharing a good belly laugh is a great way to improve work and personal relationships. And from a mental-health perspective, studies suggest that laughter can relieve depression and reduce feelings of lonliness.
Research by Dr William Fry, of Stanford University in the U.S. found that 1 minute of laughter is the equivalent of 10 minutes on the rowing machine.
Research at Loma Linda University in the U.S. found laughter helps increase levels of infection and disease fighting cells in the body. It has also been shown to lower levels of the hormone cortisol, which suppreses the hormones.
