What happens when we laugh? And can we fake a laugh?

As you know, I’m interested in all things laughter and how it affects our health and well-being. So I thought I’d put on my science hat and have a look at what happens to our bodies when we laugh.

Not every species on the planet has the capacity to chuckle.

Chimpanzees can. Scientists have even produced what sounds like titters from rats by tickling them.

But it’s human beings and other primates who are considered to be the only ones capable of responding to something they find humorous with a giggle.

Although it’s a sign of having a fine old time, a good laugh is one of the most complicated things our bodies produce. Here’s why.

It all starts in the brain

We don’t choose to laugh. Even if we’ve paid to watch live stand-up from a favourite comedian, we’re actually taking a gamble. If we laugh at a joke during the show, it’s involuntary, based on how our brain processes what we see and hear. That’s also why sometimes you don’t want to laugh but just can’t help it.

Science can’t agree on what makes us laugh but it is thought the frontal lobe at the very front of the brain, which determines our emotional responses, plays a part, along with the limbic system.

The frontal lobe is split into two halves, the left and the right. The left is the practical side and works out if the sounds and images we’re experiencing are a joke or not. The right side is the creative half and determines if we actually find the joke or situation funny or not.

The frontal lobe cannot start our laughter off though. That’s up to the limbic system, located beneath the cerebral cortex. The limbic system handles basic emotions such as fear, anger and pleasure, and once it gets the message from the frontal lobe that we need to laugh at something, it sends another message out which sets the physical process of laughter in motion. Who would have though a laugh could be so complicated?

It can help you lose weight (a bit)

Laughing is a mini-workout. One study found that 10 to 15 minutes of laughter can burn up to 10 to 40 additional calories each day. Even this small amount helps lead good health.

While it may not rival the latest diet fad, a good giggle does have an extraordinary effect on the entire body. It causes 15 facial muscles to contract, changing our expressions. You will also use muscles in your arms, legs and torso. The most noticeable effect comes from the stimulation of the zygomatic muscle, the one responsible for moving your upper lip into a grin. Be warned though – the contraction of muscles in the abdomen when you’re chortling can have an unexpected effect on the bladder.

The relaxed feeling after a bout of laughter is comparable to the one felt after a good workout. Any tension in your muscles is lost and endorphins, the chemicals which give you those warm and fuzzy feelings, are released into your brain.

It boosts your overall health

Who’d have thought that watching your favourite sitcom could make you healthier? Surprisingly, it can.

When we laugh, our immune system is strengthened. Laughter also increases our production of antibodies and cells which fight off disease. This really is healing through laughter.

A study in 1979 supported a theory that people with a strong sense of humour were less prone to becoming anxious or depressed.

It has social significance

You may think that roaring at your best mate’s latest joke is nothing more than a bit of fun but what you’re doing is an important social activity. Studies have shown how a gang of pals or relatives having a laugh together makes them feel safer and strengthens their shared bond.

And there is even scientific evidence to suggest that laughter really is contagious. We are more likely to laugh if somebody else is already laughing. That’s why laughter tracks are placed in TV sitcoms – to make us chuckle along with the unseen audience.

And importantly, laughter is a social signifier. It underlines conversation intended to be warm and inclusive. Without it, our world would be a lot less friendly and we may struggle to feel safe.

You can read more about the benefits of laughter yoga here.

Can we make ourselves laugh?

We certainly can make ourselves laugh but this can be quite hard to do on your own. However, with a group of like-minded people it is really quite easy to force yourself to laugh. Once you’re really in the flow of laughter your body is unable to distinguish between true laughter and laughter you are forcing your body to do.

Laughter wellness – it’s really worth its weight in comedy gold.