They talk about body parts for fun, Laughter is a universal human response that promotes our sense of happiness and belonging. But did you know that different parts of the body play a role in this wonderful phenomenon? From our mouth to our eyes, many parts of our body contribute to the expression and understanding of laughter. In this article, we dive into the science behind the body parts that make us smile and how they work together to induce that positive emotion.
1. Mouth and lips
Our mouths and lips are undeniably the stars of the laughter process. When we laugh, our lips move in a unique way that moves up the corners of the mouth. It is one of the most recognizable signals of joy and pleasure. Also, our mouth is involved in the production of sounds during laughter. Letting go of a smile is often a social signal that invites others to join us in our joy.
2. The eyes
The saying goes that the eyes are the mirrors of the soul, just like laughter. When we laugh sincerely, crow’s feet form around our eyes, indicating that we have a sincere and genuine smile. Also known as “Duchenne’s laughter”, this type of laughter is difficult to fake and others can often intuitively sense its sincerity. Involving our eyes in the process of laughter strengthens the emotional bond between individuals.
3. The Brain
Laughter is not just a physical response; it is also a complex process that takes place in our brain. Both the amygdala and the frontal cortex are involved in the laughter process. The amygdala plays a role in recognizing humor and initiating a laugh response, while the frontal cortex is involved in understanding social context and judging appropriate situations for laughing.
4. The Brain and Happiness Hormones
When we laugh, our brain releases neurotransmitters, such as endorphins and dopamine, which promote feelings of happiness and well-being. These happiness hormones reduce stress levels and can even reduce pain. Laughter is therefore considered a natural “medicine” that helps us face the challenges of life.
Conclusion
Laughter is a complex yet beautiful response that connects us as human beings. Our mouth and lips shape the smile, our eyes betray its sincerity, and our brain rewards us with happiness hormones for sharing the joy. Laughter promotes positive emotions, relieves stress and strengthens our social bonds. So let’s keep smiling, because it’s not only good for us, but also contagious for others to do the same.