Laughter: it's good for you
laugh; laughter; happiness; fun; muscles; serotonin; smile; jokes;
Contents
What is laughter?
According to the dictionary, laughter is "the sounds and movements that our bodies make when we find something funny".
Some people laugh loudly and throw themselves around.
Some people laugh quietly and may even cover their mouths with their hands.
We all laugh in different ways but one thing is the same - when one person laughs, others hear and want to know what is happening so they can join in.
Laughter is a happy sound - it is something we can all share and understand, whatever language we speak or place we come from.
What happens when you laugh?
Four things happen when we laugh.
1. We make sounds.
How much sound we make can depend on two things:
- how funny is it, and
- where you are.
Have you noticed that about yourself? If you are home or with friends, you can really let yourself go - the louder one person laughs, the louder everyone else gets too.
Somewhere else, where you don't feel as comfortable, you may not laugh so loudly or even try not to laugh in case someone else is offended - like in the classroom, in church or somewhere where you don't want anyone to notice you or feel offended by your laughter.
2. Our breathing changes and we get a bit breathless.
The more you laugh, the harder it is to breathe normally. People can be gasping for breath when they are having a really good laugh. This is because the epiglottis half closes the larynx when we laugh, so the air can't get in or out of the body as well as it usually can.
3. Our faces change.
Muscles are responsible for any movement of our bodies. When we laugh we use around 15 of the muscles in our faces. For example, the zygomatic (say z-eye-go-mat-ik) major muscle works to lift up our top lip in a smile. We show our teeth, widen our mouths, our eyes crinkle up and we may even make tears if we really get the giggles.
4. Our bodies move.
Laughing seems to make our bodies move, whether we want them to or not!
Our heads may go back, legs lift, arms wave and bodies shake. Everyone around can tell when someone is having a good laugh.
Why do we laugh?
Well, on average, human beings laugh about 17 times a day - that means we really like laughing! So what makes us laugh?
We laugh:
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at the end of a story or joke |
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when we see something unusual or ridiculous |
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when we feel a bit nervous |
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to release tension, like when something has been really scary and now it's over |
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to get out of trouble - sometimes people smile or make a funny remark if they feel threatened |
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to join in with others who are laughing |
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when someone does something really stupid |
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at ourselves when we make a mistake |
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when something unexpected happens |
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when we hurt ourselves or others are hurt |
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when we watch or listen to 'funny' people. |
Why laughter is good for your health
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Laughter releases a chemical called serotonin (say sera-tow-nin) into our brains. This is often called the 'feel good' hormone because that is the effect it has on our feelings. |
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Laughter is a way we can be a part of a group and it can make us feel more comfortable with others. |
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Laughter stops us feeling stressed and leads to our bodies working better and feeling relaxed. |
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Researchers have found that laughter can also help our immune system work better, and this means that we can fight diseases better. |
What makes kids laugh?
Some kids did a survey on what made the people in their class laugh. These are some of the things that they found out.
- "My little brother makes me laugh because he does such funny things - he's only a baby."
"Knock knock jokes."
- "Watching funny movies."
- "My friend because he is really funny."
- "My favourite comedians."
- "Hanging out with my friends because we have fun together and laugh a lot."
- "Watching home movies, especially when mum and dad look so funny with their hairstyles and the clothes they had when they were young."
Dr Kim says:
Have you heard the saying, 'Laughter is the best medicine'?
Well it often is! Even really sick people can feel better after a good laugh. So, have fun in your life and laugh. It's good for you.
Kids' favourite jokes
Did you hear about the doctor who had a patient who thought that she was invisible?
What did the doctor say?
"Next patient please."
Or this one?
Patient: "Doctor, I think I am a dog."
Doctor: "How long have you thought that you are a dog?"
Patient: "Ever since I was a pup."
Patient: "Doctor, I like string vests."
Doctor: "That's nothing to worry about, I like string vests too."
Patient: "Really? Boiled or fried?"
"Why is 6 afraid of 7?
Because 7 8 9."
Apple 1: "What is eating you?"
Apple 2: "Worms I think."
Knock, knock
Who's there?
Stan
Stan who?
Stan back I'm going to sneeze!
What's your favourite knock, knock or Doctor, Doctor joke?
If you have one, send it in using the feedback button, and maybe it will be put into this topic so that others can share the laughter.
We've collected this information to help you to understand important things about staying healthy and happy. However, if you feel sick or unhappy, it is important to tell your mum or dad, a teacher or another grown-up.