Laugh Your Way to Health  

Laugh Your Way to Health  

By: Dr. Roger Landry, MD, MPH

When author, political journalist and world peace advocate, Norman Cousins, learned that he had a degenerative spinal disease, he did what no one would have expected … he laughed. Armed with Marx Brothers movies and reruns of Candid Camera, he immediately noticed that within ten minutes of laughing, his pain went away. As a result, he kept laughing, and subsequently laughed himself into remission for 30 long years.

We now understand that laughter reduces stress hormones, which are known to suppress immunity. Conversely, laughter activates T cells, immunoglobulins, and natural killer cells, which collectively play a role in rejecting tumors and cells infected with viruses, as well as protecting us from infection. Laughter also increases beta-endorphins, which improve mood, reduce pain, and increase relaxation – all while giving your internal muscles a workout. The bottom line? Laugh more; it’s good for your health!

Three Ways to Laugh More

1) Like Norman Cousins did: Find movies, comedy shows and TV programs that make you laugh out loud. 

2) Seek out activities with friends that provoke laughter: karaoke, comedy clubs, games, amusement parks – whatever brings out the kid in you.

3) Make a mental note every time you laugh: “I’m getting healthier. I’m going to do more of this.” (This is also a great reminder anytime you exercise or do something good for your body and soul.)

Live long. Live well. Laugh often!