Sue McRitchie talks…………………………….Laughter!
In the dark days of February I thought I would talk about something that, perhaps, we do not do
enough – Laugh!
Can you remember the last time you had a good laugh; not just a smile or a chuckle but a real deep
down belly laugh? I would guess that, as you are probably not a child, then it may have been quite a
while ago.
Laughter is a great thing and why the old saying, ‘laughter is the best medicine!’ is so very true.
There is very strong evidence that laughter can actually improve our health and fight disease.
When we laugh, the largest region of the brain – the frontal lobe – becomes very active. Dopamine is
released which, in turn, helps us to regulate our emotional responses and enhance motivation.
Laughter reduces levels of certain stress hormones. It provides a safety valve that shuts off the flow
of stress hormones; the ‘flight/fight’ compounds that swing into action in our bodies when we
experience stress, anger and hostility. These stress hormones supress the immune system, increase
the number of blood platelets (which can cause obstructions in the arteries) and raise blood
pressure. And, as if that were not enough, when we laugh we release endorphins (feel good
hormones). The psychological benefits of laughter are amazing! People often store negative
emotions such as anger, sadness and fear, rather than expressing them. Laughter provides a way for
these emotions harmlessly to be released.
Laughter is also seen to be related to making, and strengthening, human connections. Researchers
state that: ‘Laughter occurs when people are comfortable with one another, when they feel open
and free - the more laughter there is, the more bonding occurs within the group’.
Laughter is cathartic – which is why many mental health professionals are suggesting laughter
therapy is a way forward!
And it can be good for us physically too! Laughter gives your diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory,
facial, leg and back muscles a good workout. So, when something is so very good for us, what on
earth gets in the way of us doing more of it day after day?
As a therapist I would suggest that there are a number of things:
1. Worries and stress – Our modern lives can seem crammed with concerns that we often lose
the ability to seek out opportunities for laughter and have a dreadful imbalance in our lives
2. Embarrassment – We may fear that others may judge us for laughing out loud. We may
have a refined giggle, but a real full on laugh?
3. Get out of the habit – Laughing is very infectious. You will know that, when you are in the
company of people who laugh, you begin to join in, relax and allow the pressure to ease –
‘Laugh and the world laughs with you!’
If you would like to learn more about laughing and experience what it can do for you then please
drop me an email and I will let you know when we have another session planned!
www.suemcritchie.counselling.co.uk
[email protected]