Smiling and laughing has many benefits for our well-being and health. But apparently we adults do it too little. Learn about the benefits of smiling and laughter and some ideas to do it more.
We smile and laugh too little
After being born and before knowing how to speak, we already know how to laugh. Babies begin to smile from the fifth or sixth week of life. Then, at four to five months, babies are already laughing heartily.
Did you know that children laugh up to 400 times a day? Guess how often adults do. We only get to 15-20 times, which is about 6 minutes a day. When it seems that happy, smiling and humorous people live on average 5 more years.
Laughter as a cure
As early as the 14th century, one believed in the healing powers of humour and laughter. But now science knows better why this is true. Smiling and laughing produce endorphins, activate the cardiovascular system, improve circulation and the immune system, and reduce the level of cortisol (stress hormone).
Health benefits of laughter and smiling
When we laugh, about 400 muscles are activated in the body. That is why it strengthens our heart and lungs. Thus, it improves breathing and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Contractions of the abdominal muscles also contribute to better digestion.
Laughing also relaxes the muscles, preventing contractures. The vibration of a good laugh makes the head vibrate and clears the nose and ears.
The release of endorphins due to laughter even has an analgesic effect, being able to reduce the sensation of pain. It also helps us sleep better since joy dispels worries that we are brooding about.
Lastly, laughing lowers blood pressure and cortisol levels. In other words, it reduces the level of stress.
Benefits of smiling and laughter on our well-being
We have already seen that laughing and smiling produces endorphins, the happiness hormone. On the other hand, the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, is reduced. Therefore, it makes us feel good and less stressed.
A good laugh releases withheld emotions and gives our thoughts a break. I speak of those 90,000 thoughts that we have a day, of which most are repeated. It helps us forget worries for a while and stop repetitive negative thoughts.
Reacting with a smile to setbacks and adversities can also help us cope better and be more resilient. When we feel happy, we tend to be more optimistic and face life with a more positive attitude. We are less afraid of problems and adversity.
Laughter beautifies
All the muscles that are activated in the face when smiling or laughing have a rejuvenating effect. It tones the skin and eliminates toxins.
But it does not just help our outer beauty. Being a cheerful person attracts other people. Laughter and smile convey confidence and make us seem more approachable. They are also contagious.
Benefits of laughter and smiling on personal relationships
When you smile you seem more approachable. A smile and good humour can take the stress out of a situation, thus facilitating interaction with others.
Being cheerful conveys confidence and helps establish social relationships. As I have mentioned before, laughter and smile are contagious. That is why they not only make us feel better but also also lift others’ spirits.
In any social situation, good humour, a smile, or a laugh create a friendlier environment.
Benefits of laughing and smiling at work
If we look at the work environment, a positive atmosphere promotes greater confidence of the workers. This makes them more productive and also more creative. Humour stimulates mental flexibility and, with it, creativity and the ability to innovate.
According to studies by the International Society for Humor Studies (ISHS), companies with workers who have humour and laugh tend to have a higher level of productivity. That is because workers are better able to face challenges as a team, are more motivated, and work more efficiently and effectively.
A “fake” smile works, too
There will be times when you think: I just do not feel like smiling.
But do you ever put a pen or pencil between your teeth when you work? The next time you do it, think about how you felt at the time. A bit tense or stressed?
There are stress-relief mechanisms that we use subconsciously. It turns out that this gesture puts the muscles of your face in a position similar to a smile. That signals your brain to produce endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals. This reduces the stress you are feeling.
According to scientific studies, the body does not know how to differentiate between an artificial laugh or smile and a real one. So the next time you feel stressed and do not feel like smiling, try doing it anyway. Forcing ourselves to smile also makes us feel better.
How to laugh and smile more
Given all the benefits of laughing and smiling, I do not want to finish this post without leaving you some ideas to laugh and smile more.
- Tell jokes or let them be told to you.
- Tease and joke with your partner, children, family, friends, and coworkers.
- Enjoy the jokes, memes and funny videos that you receive through social media and share them.
- Watch funny movies and series or comedy shows on TV.
- Watch funny videos on the internet.
- Greet the people you deal with daily with a smile: neighbour, store clerk, trainer at the gym, co-workers, etc.
- Smile at yourself in front of the mirror for a minute, or several times a day for at least 30 seconds.
- Try laughter yoga or laughter therapy.
- Practice gratitude. Thinking about what you appreciate and are grateful for is sure to put a smile on your face.
- Surround yourself with images with smileys or smiling faces.
- Put a pencil or pen between your teeth.
Have the benefits of laughter and smiling convinced you?
Did you know the many benefits of smiling and laughter? Do you think you laugh and smile enough or too little? Seen the benefits, will you try to laugh and smile more? Which of the ideas will you try to practice?
