Sign up to Patreon to get access to bonus ad-free podcasts, exclusive downloads, live Q&As and more: https://www.patreon.com/drcarolineleaf EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about something we all do: laughing! Have you ever thought about why emitting sounds from our mouths gives us so much joy? Even when those sounds can sometimes come out like a cackle, grunt, wheeze or even a snort? When we do this, we are most likely filled with joy, although there are times when people laugh out of discomfort, shock, anger, and/or sadness. In almost all these situations, however, there is something about laughing that relieves us—it releases tension and can improve our mood in tangible ways. Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/laughing OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS: -BiOptimizer’s Magnesium: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to http://www.magbreakthrough.com/leaf and use DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10% on your order. -Splendid Spoon: Get started and save $35 on your first order of delicious plant-based meals at SplendidSpoon.com/DRLEAF—that's only $6.66 per meal! -NOOM: Sign up for your trial and get psychology-based support and motivation to reach your goals at noom.com/DRLEAF. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 2:00 What laughter is 3:45 Laughter as communication 4:25, 15:00 How laughing affects the brain & body 8:30 Laughing & self-regulation 9:30 How laughing helps protect us 13:00 Laughing, oxygen & blood flow 14:00 Laughing as tension relief 19:18, 24:25 How laughing helps us manage toxic stress 20:45 Ho laughing helps us rest & restore 21:00 Laughing as therapy 24:00 Laughter & mind management 26:30 Why we should all laugh more! Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com Download my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.app Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to US: 1 (833) 285 3747 UK: +447908679035 Canada: 18336032953 Get a free Cleaning up Your Mental Mess workbook when you subscribe to my weekly email at drleaf.com! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: -Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources -Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/- -Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf -Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf *DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.