Jerusalem Post
ByDR. DALIT DRAIMAN MEDINA/WALLA!
In case you needed more proof: A new study found that even a short burst of laughter significantly benefits the brain and mental health. So how short?
Is there a way to improve your concentration and lower your stress levels in just four minutes—without medication, physical exercise, or even going outside? A study recently published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies suggests that a short dose of laughter might be all it takes to reduce stress and enhance focus.
The study, conducted by a group of researchers from Japan led by Dr. Tatsuya Yamakoshi, examined how watching a short funny video clip affects mental performance and stress levels in healthy individuals aged 40–65. The results are surprising: Even short laughter has a significantly positive effect on the brain and mind.
Laughter as a Tool for Mental Health
There's no doubt that we live in a complex and challenging reality, and many of us experience reduced focus, chronic stress, and mental fatigue. Many people don't seek treatment or don’t have the time or access to advanced tools. Therefore, there's growing interest in simple, accessible, and non-invasive approaches to improving mental health.
Laughter has long been considered a natural tool for reducing stress. Previous studies have shown that it lowers blood pressure, enhances immune function, and reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone). However, until now, it hadn’t been thoroughly examined how short laughter affects brain functions such as concentration and memory—especially in middle-aged individuals.
The Study: Testing Brain Response to Brief Laughter
The study involved 25 healthy Japanese adults aged 40–65. Each participant watched two videos—one particularly funny clip featuring a famous comedian, and the other considered less funny and used as a control video. Each video lasted only about 4 minutes.
After each viewing, participants completed a series of computer-based tests assessing concentration, memory, and attention. Simultaneously, physiological parameters were measured—blood flow in the brain, heart rate, mood, and biological stress markers in saliva. The results: Better focus and improved mood.
The difference between the comedy video and the control video was clear—and measurable:
1. Improved Concentration and Brain Activity: After watching the funny video, participants responded faster in an attention test and performed better in a serial-7 subtraction test. These findings were also supported by brain scans: Blood flow measurements showed a significant increase in activity in the prefrontal cortex—the brain region responsible for planning, cognitive control, and focus.
2. Reduced Stress Levels: Physiological indicators showed an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity—the system responsible for relaxation—after watching the funny video. At the same time, there was a decrease in levels of salivary alpha-amylase, an enzyme that serves as a marker of mental and physical stress.
3. Improved Mood: Questionnaires filled out by participants indicated a decrease in feelings of depression, fatigue, and stress—and an increase in motivation and focus—after watching the comedy video compared to the control video.
Easy to Implement
The results are especially impressive because they point to a simple and accessible way to enhance brain function and mood. Especially today, when so many people suffer from stress accompanied by reduced attention and concentration, the study shows that a fun activity like watching a 4-minute comedy clip can provide a natural “mental reboot.”
More importantly—the increased blood flow to brain areas associated with focus indicates that laughter is not just pleasurable—it also strengthens core neurological processes.
One of the key takeaways of the study is how easy it is to apply these findings in daily life. Instead of an expensive meditation course or a dietary supplement, daily or weekly viewing of comedic videos may be enough to improve focus and reduce stress—without even leaving the house.
Laughter has no side effects, and it requires no prior preparation. It may be one of the most accessible health interventions out there.
Dr. Yamakoshi and his team note that laughter therapy is already used in some medical settings for conditions such as depression and chronic pain. Their study adds cognitive performance to the list of potential benefits—especially for those whose functioning is impaired due to mental stress.
