THE SCIENCE OF LAUGHTER & POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

      Throughout the ages it has been a well known fact that laughter can help in just about any situation and recently psychologists have discovered the same with regard to having a positive perspective.

      In the last decade, noted psychologists have discovered scientific evidence demonstrating that a positive perspective can change the outcome of a situation and that developing a positive outlook can be learned.

Laughter is a bridge
to a positive change in perspective.

      Currently there is no definitive science to prove that a positive perspective can create physical healing, but until science catches up with intuitive knowing it cannot hurt.

      There is, however, science to prove that laughter, true mirthful laughter, does affect the body’s chemistry and promote healing by reducing cortisol and adrenalin, the stress hormones, as well as increasing endorphins, the body’s pain-killer.

      True mirthful laughter can be created deliberately by, first, pretending to laugh. Then, due to the nature of laughter, this deliberate action can transform into the real thing. This is better accomplished with others as laughter has connecting and contagious qualities but can be accomplished individually through deliberate intention and through the use of humorous aids.

      Laughter is a universal language; the Associated Press quoted Robert Provine, author of the book Laughter: A Scientific Investigation, "All language groups laugh 'ha-ha-ha' basically the same way," said Provine, "Whether you speak Mandarin, French or English, everyone will understand laughter. ... There's a pattern generator in our brain that produces this sound."

      People laugh more readily upon hearing others laugh; The Telegraph, a British publication, reports that, " Dr. Disa Sauter, who tested the Himba and English participants, said: "Tickling makes everyone laugh and not just humans. We see this happen in other primates such as chimpanzees, as well as other mammals. This suggests that laughter has deep evolutionary roots, possibly originating as part of playful communication between young infants and mothers.Read More.

Laughter is contagious

      "Since 1950, TV has exploited this by adding "laugh tracks" to sitcoms. Babies begin to laugh at about 4 months of age; babies who are born blind and deaf can laugh, so the ability to see or hear is not required for laughter."
(Neuroscience for Kids, 'The Science of Laughter', http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/scilaugh.html)

      Recently, a group of blind students in India were taken to the movies, many for the first time, and experienced the benefits of auditory exposure to laughter. Watch the video here. "Laughter doesn’t solve your problems, but makes it so you can think better," expresses Dr. Madan Kataria.

      Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson has a similar perspective. She explains that positive emotions expand our perspective and ability to problem solve. Hear more.

      Martin Seligman expresses, "The aim of Positive Psychology is to catalyze a change in psychology from a preoccupation only with repairing the worst things in life to also building the best qualities in life."

      Patty Wooten, a nurse of 30 years, speaker, nurse humorist, nurse retention specialist and compassionate clown uses humor to help her patients. Her article "Humor an Antidote for Stress" was published in Holistic Nursing Practice and she summarizes that, "Humor and laughter can be effective self-care tools to cope with stress. They can improve the function of the body, the mind, and the spirit. An ability to laugh at our situation or problem gives us a feeling of superiority and power. Humor and laughter can foster a positive and hopeful attitude. We are less likely to succumb to feelings of depression and helplessness if we are able to laugh at what is troubling us. Humor gives us a sense of perspective on our problems. Laughter provides an opportunity for the release of uncomfortable emotions which, if held inside, may create biochemical changes that are harmful to the body.

      People can increase their beneficial laughter by adding exposure to humorous material. Caregivers can consciously change their behaviors to provide more laughter and cheer in their work settings. Humor resources are plentiful. Laughter training exists. We can become our own best medicine."