Think about the time when you laughed so hard that you forgot your worries. You probably felt like the world hit the pause button, and all you could do was let out those uncontrollable bursts of joy. In these moments, worries are mere background noise, drowned out by strong positive emotions. But here’s the exciting part: such eruption of amusement isn’t just an escape from reality. It’s a secret mental workout, a potent remedy we all have access to.

But that’s not all–laughter isn’t a solo act; it’s like a full-on group performance. Ever noticed how infectious laughter can be? When one person starts, it’s like a chain reaction that pulls everyone in. It’s a universal language that connects us, even in the most diverse of crowds. Sharing laughter makes us feel like part of a close-knit tribe, reminding us that we’re not alone on this rollercoaster ride called life.

Although it cannot replace professional treatment, laughter can support therapeutic methods by providing brief moments of relief and boosting the spirits of people struggling with depressive thoughts. This is so because while you’re laughing, your brain releases an army of ‘feel-good’ chemicals. These chemicals are known as endorphins. This is the same chemical released during other pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, eating and sex.

In an interview with the Post, clinical psychologist Nandita Sharma, the head of the Central Department of Psychology at Tribhuvan University, shares the relationship between laughter and stress. With over twenty decades in the field, Sharma has authored numerous psychology research articles.

How does laughter impact our overall mental well-being?

Laughter plays a significant role in influencing our mental well-being. It serves as a mechanism to release the emotions we accumulate from the outside world. Laughter is a way of expressing these feelings rather than bottling them up inside. Through it, individuals communicate their emotions, which is good for their emotional health.

Is laughing an effective stress reliever?

It is a good way to reduce stress. Since laughter is a way of releasing emotions, it leads to relaxation and relief. When laughter emerges, a series of physiological responses occur within the body. Among these responses is the release of endorphins, often referred to as ‘happy hormones’. These endorphins create a sense of pleasure and contribute to an overall feeling of relaxation. Such release of endorphins not only enhances mood but also counters the effects of stress hormones, helping to lower stress levels. By laughing, individuals experience a physiological shift that eases the tension caused by stress.

Does laughter help with severe cases of anxiety and depression?

To a certain degree, yes. Especially in cases where anxiety is closely linked to stress, laughter’s stress-reducing effects can be particularly beneficial. However, the impact of laughter on more serious cases of anxiety and depression can vary.

For individuals battling depression, especially those who struggle with experiencing happiness, laughter might not prove effective. It’s important to recognise that while intentional laughter is embraced by various alternative healing practices, it doesn’t replace medical treatments. However, severe cases of anxiety and depression often require professional treatments.

Can someone let out both positive and negative emotions through laughter?

Absolutely, laughter serves as a means to express a spectrum of emotions, both positive and negative. When people laugh, they aren’t just expressing happiness; they are also releasing negative emotions that they might have kept hidden. This emotional release contributes to their ability to convey feelings openly and honestly. Consequently, laughter becomes a tool for them to communicate not only their joy but also their frustrations, sadness, and other emotions. This process plays a role in teaching individuals how to express their emotions, and over time, they learn to let go of toxic emotions that could otherwise impact their mental and emotional well-being.

How effective is laughing therapy?

During laughing therapy, individuals often find that laughing, even if initially forced, turns into genuine laughter. This transition can lead to a genuine release of tension, stress, and pent-up emotions. The experience can also feel liberating, making you more relaxed, happier, and less burdened by your worries.

Laughing therapy also emphasises group participation and social interaction, which can foster a sense of connection among participants. This communal aspect of the therapy can further enhance the feeling of relief as individuals share laughter and positive energy with others. Still, there is no information about such practice being used by any medical or psychological institution. Such therapy works only on certain levels.