Laugh out loud: Did you know laughter activates the super important vagus nerve?

Having a good laugh has always been a great way of releasing stress and feeling good in an instant. As children, we laughed with gay abandon but as we grew up, it became a bit of a novelty. But let’s not say goodbye to laughing heartily just yet. Because it isn’t just good for our soul, it does wonders for our health.

Laughter has a magical way of activating the vagus nerve, a crucial part of our nervous system that plays an important role in regulating various bodily functions. Indeed, laughter is more than just child’s play! In fact, we have a World Laughter Day! Celebrated annually on the first Sunday of May to promote happiness, joy and compassion, World Laughter Day was founded by the creator of Laughter Yoga, Dr Madan Kataria, in the year 1998. This day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of laughter on the human body—it promotes a change within to change the world outside for the better.

On this special day, communities and members of laughter clubs around the world come together to laugh out loudly, spreading positivity, compassion, peace and joy. So, join us as we explore the fascinating connection between laughter and our wellbeing.

Strengthens the immune system

Are you prone to minor ailments like fever, cold and cough throughout the year? A good supplement to boost your immunity would be laughter! Laughing has been shown to have a positive impact on our immune system. This is how it works—when we laugh, it stimulates the production of immune-boosting cells and antibodies. This enhances our body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses. In addition, regular laughter, one that can be brought on demand, can contribute to a stronger immune system and make us more resistant to minor ailments.

Improves cardiovascular health

Laughing is good for the heart in more ways than one! When we laugh heartily, it increases our blood flow and improves circulation, leading to a temporary decrease in our blood pressure. Over time, adding laughter or laughter therapy into our daily routine can even help lower the risk of heart diseases. An improved cardiovascular health is definitely on the cards when you laugh a lot.

Activates the vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve in the body that begins in the brain and extends through the neck, chest and abdomen, linking different organs along the way. This nerve plays an important role in regulating essential bodily functions such as our heart rate, digestion and mood. Interestingly, when we laugh, our body releases feel-good hormones which act as natural stress relievers. This joyful act also stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation throughout the body.

Brings mental wellbeing, emotional balance

Laughter is not only good for our physical health but also plays a crucial role in our mental wellbeing. When we laugh, it releases tension, boosts our mood and promotes a sense of happiness and wellbeing. It can even help in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression in some people.

The process is simple but interesting—whether we laugh during Laughter Yoga or while watching a comedy, the vagus nerve is bound to get stimulated. This in turn activates the ‘rest and digest’ part of the nervous system, making us feel relaxed. So, laugh often and embrace the long-term joy it brings.

Enhances social connections

Laughter is a universal language that bridges gaps and improves connections between people, no matter the language or country. Sharing a laugh strengthens relationships and builds trust, especially within families. Whether it’s cracking a joke with friends, sharing funny stories with cousins or enjoying a comedy show together with colleagues, laughing together means breaking of walls and fostering of healthy social bonds.

Helps manage pain

Laughter is a natural and effective way to manage pain. Laughing stimulates circulation in the human body and relaxes our muscles, providing temporary relief from discomfort. So, incorporating laughter into our daily routine is an enjoyable way to alleviate physical discomfort. The next time you’re feeling aches and pains, a good laugh might just be the quick remedy you need.

It is important to remember that the advantages of laughing extend far beyond joy. From boosting our physical health, strengthening our immune system, enhancing our mental wellbeing to fostering social connections, laughter is a powerful tool to achieve overall health and happiness. So, don’t hold back—let laughter be a regular part of your life!