Recent studies highlight significant benefits to the human body from just 10 to 15 minutes of continuous laughter. This joyful activity triggers a series of beneficial changes, including increased levels of happiness hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, while simultaneously reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Moreover, laughter enhances immune system function and improves cardiovascular health, with growth hormone production potentially increasing by up to 87%. This positively affects bones, muscles, and metabolism. Additionally, lungs expel more carbon dioxide, allowing for greater oxygen intake.
“Laughter is a powerful medicine, free and without side effects. It induces physical and emotional changes, which is particularly important according to Psychoneuroendocrinology,” emphasizes laughter professional Vittoria Tosoni. She notes that these benefits have been scientifically studied and proven, adding that a Norwegian study found that people with a strong sense of humor tend to live longer than those who do not laugh as much.
Interestingly, Tosoni points out that “the human body cannot distinguish between genuine and fake laughter.” This means that even simulated laughter can lead to the aforementioned positive changes.
Citing studies by American psychotherapist Annette Goodheart, who worked with individuals battling cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, eating disorders, and addiction, Tosoni highlights that induced laughter is interpreted by the body as authentic, stimulating the production of happiness hormones that stabilize the hormonal system and strengthen the immune system.
Therefore, Tosoni suggests that since people can fake laughter, “training oneself in this can yield healthy results.”
One simple exercise involves taking three deep breaths, holding the oxygen for a few seconds on the third breath, and exhaling while making the sound “Ha Ha Ha.” Another option is to start silently laughing with a good friend, gradually increasing the volume.
Tosoni also recommends everyone attend diaphragmatic breathing classes (where the air entering the lungs expands the belly) and practice on their own whenever possible. “I have gotten used to practicing while doing household chores or while stuck in traffic. This is a great opportunity to avoid anger and anxiety. I also enjoy laughter as a form of exercise while studying Greek on an app. I have noticed I make fewer mistakes, which I believe may be related to the increased oxygen intake,” she states.
Regarding laughter clubs, she describes them as safe spaces where anyone can practice therapeutic laughter and socialize with others. “When someone goes to the gym, after a few workouts, they become stronger and do things they couldn’t in the beginning. The same applies to laughter. At first, it feels a bit strange to be in the same space with strangers doing the exercises, and it may not seem natural or authentic, making participants feel uncomfortable. However, the effort is worth it, and the process is facilitated by the contagious nature of laughter, improving everyone’s mood in the same space,” she explains.
Reflecting on her personal experiences since starting this practice, Tosoni shares, “In 2015, I was close to depression and discovered a laughter club had just started in the city where I moved. Since I hadn’t laughed for a long time, I decided to participate. Initially, I felt awkward, but within a few weeks, I genuinely felt uplifted and was so impressed that I decided to become a laughter trainer.”
She notes that her daily life has improved with more energy, confidence, motivation, and better relationships. In her training, she incorporates practices from her previous studies in counseling, play, non-violent communication, and more.
“I have been a laughter professional for five years: I started with laughter clubs and soon began sessions in schools in Italy with children aged 6 to 10 and in facilities for individuals with disabilities. I still conduct sessions at a center in Kalamaria, and the psychologist is very pleased with the results. I have also conducted empowerment sessions in various environments, including large hotels, certain companies, and smaller structures. I completed sessions for children and parents for the Hellenic Red Cross and for women’s club members in Thessaloniki,” she notes.
She clarifies that this practice has been introduced in many different environments, including schools, companies, nursing homes, facilities for individuals with disabilities, prisons, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. In Italy, it is currently applied to oncology patients and other categories of patients.
Meanwhile, the municipality of Thermi has organized a series of laughter therapy meetings following an initiative by the director of the Department of Education, Youth, Lifelong Learning, and Employment, Chrysa Klimatsouda. In a statement, the municipality emphasizes that “laughter therapy is an alternative medicine method that falls under holistic therapy as a series of exercises or practices that stimulate and train individuals to mobilize laughter.” They also note that this is the first time such an initiative has taken place in the wider area, and the response was significant, with participation exceeding 70 people.
Regarding the reactions of attendees at such meetings, Tosoni states that the change in people’s behavior and attitudes is impressive, as “by activating their ‘internal pharmacy,’ they find more reasons to laugh in their daily lives and are better able to find creative solutions to problems.”
“As we engage in laughter, something ‘magical’ happens: we begin to feel the emotions associated with it and provoke hope, joy, and happiness in our lives,” she adds.