WHAT IS A 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 may 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.
What happens when you laugh?
These things happen when we laugh.
1. We make sounds
How much sound we make can depend on two things: how funny it is and where you are. 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 you may even try not to laugh.
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.
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. We show our teeth, widen our mouths, and we may even make tears!
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.
5. Our body and mind relax
Having a good laugh relaxes the mind and body. It can help us to be able to deal with worries and pain.
Why laughter is good for your health
• Laughter releases a chemical called serotonin into our brains. This is often called the ‘feel good’ hormone because that is the effect it has on our feelings.
• Laughter is a way we can be a part of a group and it can make us feel more comfortable with others.
• Laughter stops us feeling stressed and leads to our bodies working better and feeling relaxed. Researchers have found that laughter can also help our immune system work better, and this means that we can fight diseases better.