Hearing laughter improves the recovery process of the autonomic nervous system after a stress-loading task: a randomized controlled trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether hearing laughter improves the recovery of the autonomic nervous system after a stress-inducing task. Ninety college students were divided into two groups: one listened to recorded laughter, while the other rested for five minutes after performing a stressful test. The results showed that the laughter group experienced a significant increase in parasympathetic nervous activity (indicated by heart rate variability) and a decrease in perceived stress compared to the rest group. These findings suggest that hearing laughter can help the body recover more effectively from stress, offering a simple and accessible mental health management method.

Incorporate activities that involve hearing or experiencing laughter, such as listening to comedic content or engaging in light-hearted conversations, to manage stress and enhance recovery. While this study shows promising results, its findings are limited to young, healthy individuals, and further research is needed to assess its broader applicability.