Humor, a strategy against stress, according to science

In a renovated "chorizo"-style mansion (a series of identical rooms along a longitudinal axis with a shared patio or corridor, very characteristic of Buenos Aires of yesteryear) , an event centered around humor and cuisine is taking place. The host is Argentine actor and comedian Humberto Tortonese . A few minutes into his stand-up show, the serious or circumspect faces that previously dominated the audience disappear, and all is smiles and laughter.

We've all heard that laughter is therapeutic and even benefits our physical health. But what does science say about it?

Gonzalo Díaz Babio, cardiologist and director of the Council of the Argentine Society of Cardiology, confirms this and explains that “ a good mood releases endorphins that help relaxation, which reduces blood pressure and also improves heart rate .”

Fernando Romero, also a cardiologist, adds that "laughter, by helping to maintain blood pressure within normal limits," contributes to "preventing serious illnesses such as strokes and myocardial infarction , among others."

In fact, a study conducted by the Preventive Cardiology Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center showed that people who have suffered a heart attack laugh up to 40 percent less than people who have not suffered any type of cardiovascular disease.

According to the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC), laughter improves heart health because it activates a virtuous circle : when we laugh, we release endorphins, the levels of hormones associated with stress decrease, nitric oxide levels and the amount of good cholesterol increase, and the activity of lymphocytes, agents that help the immune system against the attack of tumor cells, is enhanced.

In the words of Dr. José Luis Palma Gámiz, vice president of FEC: “Nitric oxide is the most potent natural vasodilator known. When substances such as serotonin and nitric oxide work together, optimal conditions are created for greater vasodilation, and therefore, the possibility of endothelial damage is reduced.”

On the contrary, he continues –in statements to Europa Press–, “ permanent stress conditions the presence of vasoconstrictor hormones that affect the endothelium and facilitate the penetration of substances carried by the blood , such as cholesterol, into the inner wall of the blood vessels, giving rise to various cardiovascular diseases.”

In short, "being at peace with oneself and one's surroundings and having a positive attitude toward life, seeing the positive aspects and eliminating those that complicate things, helps prevent cardiovascular disease," he concludes.

Psychologists Analía Losada and Marisol Lacasta, in their report for the Repository of the Catholic University of Argentina, highlight that a sense of humor and laughter are factors that promote resilience and quality of life : “Humor is a vehicle for communication and is a useful way to release anxiety, tension, and insecurity,” they assert.

And to improve our mood, Dr. Díaz Babio recommends, in addition to working on our attitude toward life and its challenges, "doing physical activity, participating in group and social activities, and getting outdoors" frequently.

According to experts at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S., laughter is not only healthy, an immediate remedy, but it also increases self-satisfaction , allowing us not only to reduce stress, but also to better cope with difficult situations, improve our mood, and reduce stress.

On the contrary, a bad mood impacts emotions. Sadness, a feeling of emptiness, and anxiety affect concentration, energy levels, and quality of life. Bad moods and a lack of humor have consequences: stress and anxiety, headaches and migraines, stomach pain, increased cortisol levels, and depressive disorders.

To regain good humor, an ever-present ally in our lives, the Center for Postgraduate Studies in Psychology and Education in Granada, Spain, shares a series of recommendations that we should all try to implement:

1. Surround yourself with fun people who make us laugh and spread their positivity.

2. Consume humorous content that makes us laugh regularly.

3. Look for the funny or 'kind' side when we find ourselves in a difficult situation.

Regarding the second point, social media can play a very positive role due to the large number of comedians and stand-up comedians who use them to promote themselves today.

Ana María, a 73-year-old retired teacher, says: “My daughter sends me funny videos on WhatsApp. They make me laugh a lot, and even my husband catches my laughter.” Pablo, a former bank manager, 81, says he finds memes most amusing: “In my group of friends, we share the funniest memes almost every day. If one catches our attention, we even call each other and laugh together.”

It may seem like a minor detail, but according to a Harvard study, a person is 25 percent more likely to feel better if a close friend is happy.

The Nation (Argentina) - GDA

This article was edited by the EL TIEMPO editorial team.