Humour is often just seen as entertainment, but its effects on the brain and body go much deeper. Recent research has highlighted how humour and laughter can improve mental health. From the release of feel-good chemicals to benefits in cognitive function, humour is a valuable tool for reducing stress and increasing wellbeing.
The Feel-Good Chemicals: Endorphins & Dopamine
One of the main benefits of laughter is that it releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers and mood enhancers. When we laugh, these chemicals flood the brain, creating a sense of euphoria and relaxation similar to the feeling you get after exercising, often referred to as a “runner’s high.” Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Together, these chemicals help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression while promoting an overall sense of happiness.
Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, authors from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, compare laughter to a “runner’s high” or even meditating. In their TED Talk Why Great Leaders Take Humour Seriously, they say, “as far as our brains are concerned, laughing is like exercising, meditating and having sex at the same time”, making it a powerful tool for improving mental health (and clearly a lot more appropriate in the workplace!)
Cortisol Reduction: Easing Stress
Laughter is a natural stress reliever that plays a pivotal role in reducing cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone that is released by the body in response to stressful situations. While cortisol is necessary in certain situations, chronically elevated levels can lead to anxiety, fatigue, and even depression. Laughter is a natural stress-relief mechanism that reduces cortisol levels, lowers the body’s stress response and helps individuals feel more relaxed. Research shows that people who incorporate humour into their daily lives tend to experience lower stress levels overall, making laughter an easy way to avoid the negative effects of stress.
Brain Benefits: Boosting Creativity and Problem-Solving
Beyond the chemical effects, humour also enhances cognitive capacity. Laughter has been shown to improve creative thinking by stimulating both hemispheres of the brain. This stimulation encourages people to think more broadly, allowing for innovative problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking. In fact, studies have shown that humour can help with improved decision-making and increased mental flexibility, which can help individuals navigate challenges more effectively.
Additionally, humour helps improve memory retention and focus, making it a valuable tool in learning environments. By reducing stress and boosting mood, humour allows the brain to process and retain information more efficiently.
High-Performance Humour for Leaders
Leaders and professionals can get the benefits of laughter when they intentionally use humour in the workplace. In my High-Performance Humour workshop, I teach leaders how to strategically use humour as the ACE up their sleeve to Alter their state of wellbeing, Connect with others and Expand cognitive capacity – ultimately reducing stress, fostering collaboration and boosting productivity and performance. Please check out my current training options if you’d like to learn how to integrate humour into your leadership style to create a healthier, more engaged workforce.
By embracing the science behind humour, you can unlock powerful mental health benefits that go beyond mere laughter, helping you and your team thrive both personally and professionally.
