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Lighten Up And Live Longer

Laughter has long been said to be the best medicine. But even just looking forward to a good laugh can boost the immune system and reduce stress.

A U.S. study found that anticipating laughter can raise levels of endorphins and other pleasure and relaxation-inducing hormones. The anticipation can also lower the production of stress hormones. Researchers monitored the hormone levels of 16 men who were going to be shown a videotape that they all agreed would be humorous. Half of the men were told three days in advance they would be shown the video. Those given the advance notice started experiencing biological changes as soon as they were told.

When the men actually watched the video, levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, fell 39% and epinephrine levels fell 70%. At the same time, endorphin levels rose 27% and growth hormone levels rose by 87% (growth hormone is apparently very beneficial to the immune system).

Researchers conducting the study had already shown that watching a funny video or laughing at a joke can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. They found that people who reported using humor more often were less likely to have had heart attacks. However, this is the first time that anticipation of humor has been shown to be just as beneficial to the body. 

riskVue | The webzine for risk management professionals
December 2002