LT dinosaurs in England / Prophylactic self-isolation series. Day 263rd.

Laugh is an incredible way to breath, isn’t it?

Did you know, laughter therapy could reduce blood pressure?

Humor has positive physiological effects, such as decreasing stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol; increasing plasma concentration of serotonin – a hormone of happiness and satisfaction, and generally activating of the dopaminergic reward system [1].

You may read my previous articles about dopamine and its role in feeling happy and joyful:

Impressive photography as a “junk food” for the brain / Prophylactic self-isolation series / Day 247th.

Are you happy on keto? / Prophylactic self-isolation series. Day 260th.

Humor and laughter for learning

Humor and laughter promote learning. For the students, the best professors and lecturers are those who have a sense of humor.

One joke that took place – and the auditory is yours for a semester, professor. Yes, the auditory would be yours with an enthusiasm to learn and follow the most difficult topics! Because humor creates an environment that promotes learning.

As according to B. Savage (and as a lecturer I totally agree with him) – „teaching is about relationships, and humor builds bonds as well as brains, by strengthening the relationship between student and teacher“ [2].

The source of joy

There is an evidence that laugher is a source of joy, long and healthy living even in bible: Book of Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”

Book of Proverbs 17:22

Laughter as a therapy

The study by R. Dolgoff-Kaspar shows that laughter yoga may help people awaiting organ transplantation by improving heart work, general mood and therefore lowering the risk for psychological distress [3]

Laughter therapy does not any specialized preparations, any equipment, is available at no cost, is noninvasive and is easily accessible and acceptable, isn‘t it?

Laughter could have an overall effect in promoting health because it has a positive influence on blood pressure, lung capacity, heart rate, muscles and brain activity.

For the mental health, laughter helps to reduce unpleasant feelings such as anxiety, anger, depression, aids better interpersonal relationships! [4].

The message for those who want to live longer – live the life with the smile, good humor sense and laugh!

Funny story for today

Today’s funny story from me to laugh. The text is translated from Lithuanian to English form the original source https://www.anglija.today/ivairenybes/jk-lietuviu-atsakas-i-karantina–su-sypsena [5].

A few Lithuanian guys living in England decided to originally brighten the mood for residents of one city. After the UK authorities announced a message of quarantine, Lithuanians tried to lift the spirits of Ross-in-Wye in western England on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

Four men dressed in dinosaur costumes went out into public spaces and held fun performances. Their actions perfectly demonstrated the spirit of community and showed that each of us can make a difference.

The funniest thing in this story is that Lithuanians are generally known worldwide as “They never smile”:)

References:

1. YOSHIKAWA, Y., et al. Beneficial Effect of Laughter Therapy on Physiological and Psychological Function in Elders. Nursing Open, 2019, vol. 6, no. 1. pp. 93-99.

2. SAVAGE, B.M., LUJAN, H.L., THIPPARTHI, R.R. and DICARLO, S.E. Humor, Laughter, Learning, and Health! A Brief Review. Advances in Physiology Education, 2017.

3. DOLGOFF-KASPAR, R., et al. Effect of Laughter Yoga on Mood and Heart Rate Variability in Patients Awaiting Organ Transplantation: A Pilot Study. Alternative Therapies, 2012, vol. 18, no. 4. pp. 53-58.

4. YIM, J. Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter in Mental Health: A Theoretical Review. The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2016, vol. 239, no. 3. pp. 243-249.

5. JK lietuvių atsakas į karantiną – su šypsena, available online: https://www.anglija.today/ivairenybes/jk-lietuviu-atsakas-i-karantina–su-sypsena

The conclusions drawn and the assessment of the health benefits/risks are restricted to information appearing in the scientific literature