Blogging from A to Z April 2024 Challenge: L

Aging: The Good, the Bad, and the Tolerable

L is for Laughter

I stumbled across an article from the Mayo Clinic while googling the health benefits of laughter.

In the article, Dr. Edward T. Creagan, an oncologist, comments on the health benefits of laugher, which is my “L” word today. Imagine my surprise as a long-time nurse to find a physician promoting laughter, rather than some form of traditional medical or surgical intervention. And the setting is the prestigious Mayo Clinic.

Over the years that I have practiced nursing, I confess that I have been critical of the medical profession for the rigidity and narrow mindedness in their approach to caring for their patients, historically dismissing what may help the patient that is not found in their medical toolbox. I’m not apologizing for my attitude towards physicians. But now, I am softening my criticism a bit after reading this essay.

The social and mental health benefits of laughter

Though most people know the cliche ‘laughter is the best medicine’, there’s actually scientific evidence to back up the benefits. Humor can actually be powerful—if often overlooked strategy—to support mental health.

Laughing can alleviate stress by decreasing stress hormones like ephedrine and cortisol, says Dr. Creagan. These hormones play a role in mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as insomnia.

‘When we laugh, when we’re funny, when we’re engaged with funny people who make you feel better, there is a decrease in cortisol and there is an increase in endorphins, says Dr. Creagan.

During times of connectedness and joy—like when you laugh with a friend or watch a funny video online—Dr. Creagan says the body is flooded with feel good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins.

In fact, some studies suggest that laughter can help to not just alleviate but actually reverse the bodies stress response.

Gregory, YS. The Health Benefits of Humor. Mayo Clinic Press: March 28. 2024

The article continues to show more positive effects of laughter from sources other than Dr. Creagan. Hmm, I’m beginning to wonder how laughter can hold so many positive benefits.

What I do know is that watching an episode or two of Grace and Frankie on Netflix before I go to bed makes me mellow. It’s the second time I am watching this show. Besides the benefits of the comedy, the show is certainly aging friendly. Here are two older women that deal with aging issues in a realistic light. Okay, granted they have a lot going for them to begin with.  But the show doesn’t downplay the aging negatives but shows how they can turn adversity around in a humorous format. And I sleep well that night.