Laugh During Social Isolation to Boost Your Immune System

How laughter can help you stay healthy

Even in this time of uncertainty and social isolation, it’s important to still find time to laugh – even if you’re alone. Research has found that one of the easiest things we can do to overcome distress, uncertainty or a depressed mood, is to laugh. Some physicians even write “prescriptions” for their patients to incorporate 30-minutes of laugher into each day.

Chemistry at work

Laughter helps boost our immune system by increasing the production of anti-infection antibodies and T-cells in the blood that help protect us from infections. Furthermore, when you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones such as cortisol, reduces blood pressure and increases circulation.

What’s so funny

Drumming up laughter on demand can be challenging. Here are some of our favorite ways to insight a chuckle:

1. Add your funniest shows to a Netflix queue and binge watch all week long


2. Hilarious animal videos abound @doggosdoingthings and countless other Instagram accounts


3. Send a funny meme or GIF to a group chat and watch the hilarious responses roll in

Now, more than ever, it’s important to laugh when you can. And, even more importantly, to share that joy with others!

Citations:

Bennett MP, Lengacher C. Humor, and Laughter May Influence Health: III. Laughter and Health Outcomes. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Bennett MP, Zeller JM, Rosenberg L, McCann J. The Effect of Mirthful Laughter on Stress and Natural Killer Cell Activity.. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.

Berk LS, Felten DL, Tan SA, Bittman BB, Westengard J. Modulation of Neuroimmune Parameters During the Eustress of Humor-Associated Mirthful Laughter.. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.

Christie W, Moore C. The impact of humor on patients with cancer. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing.

Skinner N, Brewer N. The Dynamics of Threat and Challenge Appraisals Prior to Stressful Achievement Events. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.