In a study that took place in 2014 at Loma Linda University, researchers invited both elderly individuals who were diabetic and those who were healthy to watch a series of 20-minute comedy videos.
Following this light-hearted viewing, each participant was assessed through a series of tests aimed at evaluating their learning ability, recall, and memory.
The results of the study revealed an interesting connection: laughter had a significant impact on reducing stress hormones in the body, which, in turn, helped to improve memory for both groups of elderly participants.
This finding is particularly important, as we know that high levels of stress hormones can have a detrimental effect on memory. It’s akin to the experience many of us had during our school years; when overwhelmed with excitement or anxiety, especially during exams, we often blanked out or struggled to remember the material we had studied.
In adulthood, this phenomenon does not disappear. I recall instances where job candidates drew a blank during interviews, forgetting even the names of their previous employers. The key takeaway here is clear: in order to enhance memory function, it is essential to find ways to reduce stress.
When it comes to facing challenges, comfort can be found in how we respond to emotional events. For instance, there have been occasions where my family organized surprise birthday parties for me.
On one memorable occasion, when the lights were turned off and the cake was brought into the room, I found myself in tears. It is not uncommon to shed tears of joy in such moments. Research led by Oriana Aragon, a psychologist from Yale University, focused on this idea in 2014, exploring the concept of crying from happiness as well as the instinctive laughter that may arise in difficult or negative situations.
This research revealed that our emotional responses serve a purpose in maintaining emotional balance. It’s important to recognize that when people laugh unexpectedly in serious or negative situations, it may sometimes be accompanied by an apology or explanation, as they attempt to clarify their reaction.
However, this response is entirely normal. Studies indicate that individuals who experience emotions more intensely may react in unexpected ways: they might cry during joyful occasions or burst into laughter during unfortunate events.
In essence, laughter can serve as a coping mechanism that provides emotional flexibility, allowing us to navigate challenging situations more easily and maintain a sense of balance.