I am not a doctor or a licensed healthcare professional. The information in this post is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health.

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. “

– Francesca Reigler

 

My parents have been staying with me and if there’s one thing I can guarantee when they’re around, it’s laughter. We have laughed every day, from dad’s guitar playing when we were kids (he actually only knew one song) to my brother and I as teenagers.  We bounce off each other, setting each other off, especially my mum and I as we both have the same distinct laugh, which cracks us up even more. Ben is also pretty funny and has quite often got me in stitches of laughter, and one of our good friends makes me laugh constantly when he’s around. Being in a really vulnerable state both physically and emotionally, I’ve realised how laughter just seems to take all my worries away in those moments, and put me back in the present moment, fully enjoying it. I began to value the funny people in my life on a whole new level. The simple action of being funny, or saying something funny to someone, I think, is often so underestimated, but I know, and I can feel that it’s playing a massive role in my healing and recovery and in keeping me going.

Laughing actually has many health benefits and a really beautiful effect on our physiology. Not only does it directly enhance our emotional state by releasing endorphins (happy hormones) the same as when we exercise, but it has a positive effect on our immune system as-well, our physiologically actually changes when we laugh. We stretch muscles throughout our face and body, our blood pressure and pulse go up, and we breathe faster, sending more oxygen to our tissues. Researchers at the University of Maryland studied the effects on blood vessels when people were shown either comedies or dramas. After the screening, the blood vessels of the group who watched the comedy behaved normally – expanding and contracting easily. But the blood vessels in people who watched the drama tended to tense up, restricting blood flow.

The body also stays in a relaxed state for up to 45 minutes after a good laugh.

We all know that chronic stress is bad and something we should avoid to stay happy and healthy, and not surprisingly, it’s associated with a decreased immune system response. It comes as no surprise to people with MS that after a stressful or traumatic event, our risk of relapse is higher. Some studies have shown that the ability to use humour may raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies in the body and boost the levels of immune cells, as well.

In fact, it has also been shown to affect our blood sugar levels. One study of 19 people with diabetes looked at the effects of laughter on blood sugar levels after eating. The group attended a tedious lecture. The next day, the group ate the same meal and then watched a comedy. After the comedy, the group had lower blood sugar levels than they did after the lecture.

It has also been shown to help with pain. Norman Cousin’s who wrote the memoir Anatomy of an Illness, was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a painful spine condition. Cousins found that a diet of comedies helped him feel better. He said that ten minutes of laughter allowed him two hours of pain-free sleep.

So next time you’re having a rough day with symptoms, and you’ve found yourself in a bad headspace, please don’t stay there. Try watching a funny film or YouTube clip or being around people who will make you laugh , because it really does pick you up. And above all else, you’ll be doing your body a lovely favour. I make a conscious effort with this now, if I’m ever feeling flat or needing a distraction from symptoms, I’ll make sure to watch something funny to snap myself out of it.

Some tips from www.helpguide.org on how to start:

  • Smile. Smiling is the beginning of laughter. Like laughter, it’s contagious. Pioneers in “laugh therapy,” find it’s possible to laugh without even experiencing a funny event. The same holds for smiling. When you look at someone or see something even mildly pleasing, practice smiling.

  • Count your blessings. Literally make a list. The simple act of considering the good things in your life will distance you from negative thoughts that are a barrier to humour and laughter. When you’re in a state of sadness, you have further to travel to get to humor and laughter.

  • Spend time with fun, playful people. These are people who laugh easily–both at themselves and at life’s absurdities–and who routinely find the humour in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious.

  • Bring humour into conversations. Ask people, “What’s the funniest thing that happened to you today? This week? In your life?”

Creating opportunities to laugh:

  • Watch a funny movie or TV show – comedy festivals are great, or your favourite comedian on YouTube – some personal favourite comedians include – Micky Flanagan, Chris Lilly, Little Britain, Sarah Millican, The Inspired Unemployed podcast and Instagram

  • Listen to funny podcasts

  • Go to a comedy club, gala or festival – great for exploring which comedians actually make you laugh out loud

  • Seek out funny people

  • Share a good joke or a funny story

  • Check out your bookstore’s humour section

  • Host a game night with friends

  • Play with a pet

  • Go to a “laughter yoga” class

  • Do something silly

  • Make time for fun activities (e.g. surfing, horse riding, karaoke).”

Much Love!

Simonne