Laugh Out Loud
August 17, 2011 Written by JP
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It’s a little known fact that Korea is at the forefront of research pertaining to laughter therapy and health promotion. In the first half of 2011 alone, three Korean studies were published which evaluated the impact of structured laughter programs on parameters of mental and physical wellness. All of the trials lasted between 2 to 4 weeks and employed twice-weekly, 60 minute laughter therapy sessions. The participants of the various studies included breast cancer survivors, postpartum mothers and seniors living in retirement homes. The results indicate positive outcomes in each of the disparate populations. The cancer survivors reported an improvement in quality of life and resilience. The postpartum mothers demonstrated a decline in fatigue and stress hormone levels. Finally, the “community-dwelling elderly” volunteers exhibited “positive effects on depression, insomnia, and sleep quality”. These studies add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that laughter, whether in a controlled or informal setting, can make an important difference in objective and subjective measures of health. And perhaps best of all, laughter can be contagious.
To learn more about the studies referenced in today’s column, please click on the following links:
Study 1 - Effects of Laughter Therapy on Depression, Quality of Life, Resilience … (link)
Study 2 - Effects of Laughter Therapy on Postpartum Fatigue & Stress Responses … (link)
Study 3 - Effects of Laughter Therapy on Depression, Cognition and Sleep … (link)
Laughter Therapy Improves Various Measures of Mental Health
Source: J Korean Acad Nurs. 2011 Jun;41(3):285-293. (link)
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Tags: Fatigue, Laughter, Stress
Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health, Women's Health
August 18th, 2011 at 6:06 am
Wow! I love to laugh! I believe also that if old or sick people or even the average people everyday are able to laugh out loud, they’d feel so much better. This is good that they’re having therapy sessions with laughter because some illness can hardly be cure, at least the patients are happy and better with their emotional aspect which is so crucial in their state.
August 18th, 2011 at 8:17 am
I agree, we owe a debt of gratitude to all the people who have made us laugh over the years.
Heres a sample from the great Henny Youngman:
My wife and I we go to a nice restaurant two times a week have a little beverage, good food and companionship. She goes on Tuesdays, I go on Fridays.
We also sleep in separate beds. Hers is in California and mine is in Texas.
I take my wife everywhere…..but she keeps finding her way back.
I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary. “Somewhere I haven’t been in a long time!”
She said. So I suggested the kitchen.
We go to the mall we always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.
My wife has an electric blender, electric toaster and electric bread maker. She said “there are too many gadgets and no place to sit down!” .. So I bought her an electric chair.
My wife told me the car wasn’t running well because there was some water in the gas. I asked where the car was; she told me “in the lake.”
My wife got a mud pack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.
My wife ran after the garbage truck, yelling “am I too late for the garbage? The driver said “no, jump in!”
Remember: marriage is the number one cause of divorce.
I married miss right. I just didn’t know her first name was always.
I haven’t spoken to my wife in 18 months. I don’t like to interrupt her.
The last fight was my fault! My wife asked? “What’s on the TV?” I said “dust!”
Just ignore me. My wife does.
August 18th, 2011 at 10:43 am
I agree 100%, Zeph.
Good ol’ Henny. Thanks, Liverock! Made me chuckle!
Be well!
JP
August 29th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
This proves Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine…
Love it! Thanks for sharing.
April 1st, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Hello JP,
Laughing is my salvation. I am postive I laugh for at least one half hour everyday, sometimes more.
I choose people and TV programs to view, that make me laugh aloud, to the extent it is difficult for me to stop.
My sister is serious, with major health issues. I make sure I make her laugh at least 3 times a week. Now,she enjoys a good hearty laugh.
This is a subject people find very difficult to believe. It is 100% true.
Thank you for the article it is excellent! I hope more people believe it.
Warm regards,
April 2nd, 2012 at 11:50 am
Thank you, Cynthia! I appreciate you sharing your experience and spreading the laughter. It’s one form of contagion that this world could use more of!
And now, a funny quote I recently read:
“I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.”- Lily Tomlin
Be well!
JP