Importance of Laughter During Troubling Times

 As the year 2020 comes to a close it’s easy to look back and think about all the challenges the world has had to overcome due to the pandemic. Everything it seems has been turned on its axis from the way we work, socialize, dine, and learn. The silver lining is the way individuals, families, and businesses have adapted and rolled with the punches. They say laughter is the best medicine and if you can look back on this year and realize in the trouble times there was laughter, you are in far better shape than you probably realize. Numerous studies have shown laughter can have a profound impact on our mental health, both short and long-term. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. I fact, stress from the pandemic can cause the following, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

• Worsening of chronic health problems.

• Worsening of mental health conditions.

• Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

Here is how laughter can help, according to helpguide. 

• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

• Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

• Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

• Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

• Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

If you’re ready for a good laugh, head to the Loony Bin where you can check out Live Comedy. 

Let’s face it, in these times we could all use a little laugher and luckily, The Loony Bin is the oldest stand-up comedy venue in Oklahoma and pulls in nationally known headliners who will have you doubling over with laughter! If you’re seeking a memorable night of premiere laugher and dining in Oklahoma, The Loony Bin is your first stop for nonstop entertainment! Gather all your friends and forget, if only for a night about all your troubles! Visit us online today for a calendar of headliners to purchase tickets, and to check out our delicious menu offerings! Don’t forget to join our mailing list to stay on top of all the headliners and to plan your next visit! Also, check us out on Facebook and Instagram for memorable moments, current events, and photos!