The Benefits of Laughter
Laughter is one of the best things about life that we usually take for granted. Little do we know that those little chuckles and big laughter can actually do our body and mind more good that we realize. Here are some of the benefits that laughter can do:
1. Induces the production of good hormones
Laughter can reduce our stress levels by decreasing the production of stress-related hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and epinephrine. Instead, it enhances the release of the “happy hormones,” including endorphins and neurotransmitters.
2. Boosts your immunity levels
Laughing can enhance the ability of your T-cells and increase the number of antibody-producing cells such as Gamma-interferon, which means you can have a stronger immune system. Stronger immune system means lesser chances of contracting illnesses and diseases, and stronger resistance against the physical effects of stress.
2. Helps physically release emotions
The feeling of emotional release when laughing is undeniable. It dissolves away stress, tension, irritation, anxiety, grief, anger, depression, and every negative feeling. If you want to release your emotions and just enjoy being yourself, laugh a little more. A hearty bout of laughter will work wonders for your emotional health and well-being.
3. A good internal workout
Laughter is actually equivalent to a mini-exercise. It gives your diaphragm, abdomen, facial, leg, respiratory, and back muscles the workout that it needs. This workout leaves the muscles more relaxed and carefree afterwards. It is also a good workout for your heart.
4. A great distraction
Laughter helps you keep the focus away from negative feelings of stress, guilt and anger and let you concentrate on more beneficial and helpful aspects.
5. A pain reliever
If you are in pain, laugh it out with some good laughter with friends. Laughter can reduce pain as it releases endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are more potent than an equivalent amount of morphine for pain relief.
6. Social benefits
We all know how laughter connects us with other people, even strangers. A laughter that is shared by two creates a positive and reinforcing bond. Laughter is also contagious, so laughing more will most likely liven up the mood and will help others laugh more as well. By lightening up the mood, you can reduce the stress level of the people around you, and even the social interaction that you experience with them, so you can reduce your stress levels even more.
7. A light-hearted perspective
How we react to stressful events can significantly depend on whether we think of something as a threat or a challenge. Humor can provide us with a positive, light-hearted perspective to make us view things to be challenges than threats, so we can respond to them with a more positive and reinforcing approach.
Laughter ultimately gives our mind, body and being the balance it needs to face the turbulence of daily lives. A day without laughter is definitely a wasted day. Start laughing more today – watch a comedy movie, rent some humor-laden comic book, go to a comedy club, see friends, exchange jokes with your family or colleagues. Live your life well and add in fun and laughter whenever possible.
