A Note from the Elevate Akron Team:

We’re proud to present a lighthearted and thoughtful blog from our friends at Summa Health.

While we are all adjusting to these uncertain times, continuing our connection to happiness and what that means for us is a great way to reduce stress. Laughter, of course, is just one of our many responses to happiness. With that being said, we hope you enjoy this blog and can invite a little laughter into this April, National Humor Month.

As always, we are in this together as a community. For more information on community resources during this time of need, click here.

With love,

The Elevate Akron Team

Play to Laugh

With the current situation in our world, it’s important to have methods to cope with the anxiety and stress that come at these unprecedented times.

And laughter is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to stress relief. Science shows laughter may very well be the best medicine when it comes to relieving stress — and that’s no joke. Whether you’re howling at a TV sitcom or giggling at your friend’s joke, the positive effects from laughter on body function — from increased circulation to muscle relaxation — confirm that real, sincere, happy laughter is good for you!
Laughter can actually create a physical, measurable change in your body.

Laughter can up your intake of oxygen-rich air and stimulate your heart and lungs, while increasing blood circulation and easing muscle tension, soothing the physical symptoms of stress.

Not to mention, a good bought of laughter is good exercise. It gives the heart and abs a “workout” by burning almost as many calories as walking at a slow or average pace. Exercise relaxes your body and mind, while improving your mood. In fact, physical exercise has been proven to play a key role in preventing and reducing the effects of stress.

Laughter also can make it easier to cope with difficult situations by improving your mood. It’s been shown that laughter triggers the release of endorphins in your brain. High endorphin levels make you feel happier, while also combatting the hormones associated with stress.

In fact, laughter is really only the tip of the iceberg. The fundamental activity actually is “play.”

In elegant studies focusing on the neuroscience of emotion, Jaak Panksepp demonstrated that “play” is actually a very deeply embedded circuit in our brains and we share that circuitry with all mammals. Think of little cubs or puppies playing. It’s an intrinsic part of life. He showed that lab rats enjoyed being tickled and they “laughed” as part of that play (google “rats laugh when you tickle them”).

So, laughter is just the crowning joy of a natural experience we all are capable of when we suspend our critical nature and step back and find some pleasure and enjoyment through connecting.

Incorporating more laughter into your life

With the current times and April being National Humor Month, it’s time to incorporate more laughter into your life – for your health! Here are 5 easy ways to do so:

  • Find a way to laugh at your own situation and you’ll soon find it helps to alleviate stress.
  • Because you need another reason for a Netflix binge-watching shows, movies or comedy specials is one of the easiest ways to incorporate laughter.
  • Frequent comedy clips or online joke sites. You could also Google “dad jokes” for a fun afternoon pick-me-up.
  • Spend more time talking with family and friends who make you laugh.
  • Find a laughter yoga class to practice with others online! The laughter may feel forced at first, but it could turn into spontaneous laughter.

Dr. Joseph Varley
Summa Health

Chair, Summa Psychiatry Association