6 minutes
Authentic laughter has many positive effects on health; from relaxation and sleep improvements to building interpersonal relationships. Let’s have a laugh here.
Of happiness. Of nerves. Forced. Spontaneous. Although we usually associate it with happiness and well-being, there are different types of laughter and each of them has a meaning.
Per se, we could say that laughter is a set of mouth and facial movements. Other systems are also involved, such as the respiratory and cardiac. However, the senses are not the same. The tone of a laugh and the accompanying gestures can indicate that it is an ironic laugh or the opposite.
We are even so aware that not all laughs mean the same, that we have even created ways of to write different laughs in our virtual conversations. Thus, more than once we have found ourselves deciphering a LOL of a ha.
7 types of laughter and what they mean
Laughter is a response to a certain situation or stimulus. It has numerous benefits, although among the main ones it stands out that it is a health factor and links us to well-being.
When we laugh, beyond all the muscles involved, the brain releases dopamine, the hormone of happiness. Its action in the body makes the thoracic muscles work, modulating the entry and exit of air and causing the typical sound of laughter.
However, now that we know that there are different variations, we can infer that the one we have just described is associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. But not always the types of laughs are related to positive emotions.
1. Deep laughter or laughter
It is one of the types of laughter that we identify as contagious, perfectly audible and even a profound gesture, due to the diaphragmatic movements that it implies. It is considered the most authentic, since numerous neuronal structures are put into play.
One of its main characteristics is that it is involuntary, hence it is so genuine. It is known as duchenne smile.
2. Wry laugh
This kind of laughter what he wants to show us is the opposite of a literal interpretation. Thus, instead of signifying grace, it can be equated to a scornful laugh, which signals rejection.
3. Nervous laugh
This kind of laughter is the excuse or the means of getting around an awkward situation. It serves to attenuate the effect that has been generated within the body.
4. Courtesy laugh
Like the previous guy, this is a voluntary laugh, used as a means to please, to sympathize with someone at a certain time. It is also often used as a way to agree or affirm what the other person is saying.
5. Tickle-induced laughter
As the name implies, it is that kind of laugh that occurs from a physical reaction.
6. Pathological laughter
This kind of laughter is not pleasant, since is caused by a neurological problem. It is a type of laughter that cannot be controlled, that comes at any time, and that is not always timely.
To exemplify it, we can remember the case of the character of the Joker in the film Joker. There it is established that the protagonist has a box of gellastic laughter.
7. Evil laugh
That kind of laugh is typical of villain performances in a movie or soap opera. It’s a pretended and planned laugh.
Benefits and importance of laughter in sociability
Laughter types are also a socialization factor. More than once we started laughing because someone was doing it in a contagious way.
Relieves tensions and helps to cope with uncomfortable moments. Laughter can be that escape valve that is needed in front of certain moments.
Others benefits of laughter are as follows:
- It is positive for the cardiovascular system, since lowers blood pressure.
- Improves oxygenation.
- Supports the immune system.
- By involving the mobilization of various muscles, also burns calories.
- Reduces stress by inhibiting cortisol production and releasing endorphins.
- Decreases negative thoughts by allowing the expression of emotions.
- It has relaxing effects, since reduces fear and anxiety.
- It allows a better rest and fights insomnia, thanks to the healthy fatigue that it entails.
Through laughter, a feeling of intimacy and closeness with other people can be generated.
Laughter as a resilience factor
Now we know the role of laughter as a protective factor for health and as a way to cope with adversity. Hence the use of laughter therapy, especially in patients under chronic pain treatment.
Every day we find ourselves going through multiple experiences, each with a different experience and emotional tone. Laughter is a tool to face difficulties. However, happiness should not be a mandate that leads us to deny what we feel: let’s bet on a intelligent optimism.
Therefore, it is extremely important to find spaces and moments to enjoy shared laughter. Without denying or ignoring the whole other range of emotions, let’s recover the place of enjoyment and good humor.
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