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The science of laughter - and why it also has a dark side
Laughter
It is generally considered a positive emotion and is a vital social, emotional and cognitive function. It is a communal activity that encourages bonding, reduces any possible conflict, and eases stress and anxiety. Laughter can be classified in different types:
- Genuine and spontaneous
- Simulated or fake
- Stimulated (from tickling, for example)
- Induced (by drugs)
- Pathological
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Laughter is a Complex Emotion
The complex emotion of laughter has the power to override other emotions. The neurotransmitters (brain circuits) are controlling the facial muscles and vocal architecture, giving priority to positive emotions.
There are several brain pathways that contribute to laughter, like the regions of decision-making, behavior control, and our brains emotional circuitry.
The Underlying Neural Functions
Various studies and research have shed some light on the underlying neural functions of the brain features that result in laughter being expressed by the body.
Pseudobulbar Affect Syndrome is a condition involving an unsettling exhibition of laughter, characterized by frequent, involuntary and uncontrollable outbursts of laughing and crying. This Syndrome is due to a disconnect between the frontal pathways of the brainstem, which control emotional drives, and is associated with several disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke.
Abnormal Brain Wiring
Abnormal brain wiring gives rise to a number of specific conditions:
- Dementia: A twisted sense of humor and laughing at inappropriate times can be an indication of dementia.
- Gelotophobia: An intense fear of being laughed at.
- Gelotophilia: A pleasure obtained from being laughed at.
- Katagelasticism: The joy of laughing at others.
Still The Best Medicine
Laughter may have a dark side, but it is generally a positive emotion, as it enhances cardiovascular functions, fortifies our immune and endocrine systems.
Laughter therapy has amazing positive effects on our body and mind like an increase of serotonin levels, decreased stress and anxiety, improved respiration, and an enhancement in mood and resilience.
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Misophonia
Misophonia is a neurophysiological condition where people have an excessively negative reaction to specific sounds, like slurping, humming, tapping, typing, or texting.
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The trigger sounds
The aversion to trigger sounds develops in childhood and tends to get worse over time.
The sounds are commonly related to the mouth, nasal sound, and hand sounds, and are more distressing if family members produce them.
Misophonic responses
Anger is the most common misophonic response, followed by anxiety or disgust.
In misophonia, people react to sounds that are not widely considered unpleasant, such as whispering or soft breathing.
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A clear mind
Running never fails to clear your head. Do you have to make a potentially life-altering decision? Go for a run. Are you feeling mad or sad? Go for a run.
A run can sometimes make you ...
Exercise and improved memory
Neuroscience used to think that our brains got a set amount of neurons. However, studies in animal models show that new neurons are produced in the brain throughout the lifespan.
Vigorous aerobic exercise - about 30 to 40 minutes - is the only activity that triggers the birth of those new neurons. The new neurons are created in the region of the brain associated with learning and memory, partially explaining the link between aerobic exercise and improvement in memory.
The brain’s frontal lobe
Increased activity is seen in the brain’s frontal lobe after adopting a long-term habit of physical activity. After about 30 - 40 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, studies have recorded increased blood flow in this region, which is associated with clear thinking: planning ahead, focus and concentration, goal-setting, time management.
This area is also linked to emotion regulation, allowing us to recover faster from emotions.
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Mindfulness Meditation
Practitioners of mindful meditation focus their attention on only one thought. The goal is to be firmly affixed to the present moment. This typically means concentrating on the breath - observ...
Changes to the Brain
Buddhists have meditated for literally thousands of years. Buddhists are trying to hack their own minds, to harness them.
Only in recent times have neuroscientists discovered that meditation changes the brain physically.
Health Benefits
- Meditation improves attention. Studies show that 20 minutes a day are sufficient to get beneficial results.
- Meditation reduces stress after eight weeks of training.
- Meditation has also been shown to increase levels of empathy.