How Can Humour Improve Well Being
By Jane Redford

Laughter And Health: Is Laughter Really The Best Medicine?

This old saying lasts from generation to generation, but is there any truth to it? Of course, we all know that there is. Put simply, laughter makes us feel better. It cheers up a bad day, lightens up serious situations, helps us bond with others, and lets us see the positive in not-so-fun situations. But does laughter have any physical health benefits? Surprisingly enough, this has been researched, and YES, it does!

The connections between laughter and health are many. From boosting our immune systems, which avoids illness, to helping us heal from injuries and illnesses that we have, laughter and health have a lot of connections. Here are 10 interesting ways that laughter really is the best medicine (or if not the best, it at least helps a little).

Laughter fights stress. It’s actually been proven scientifically that laughter reduces your stress hormones and increases the hormones that calm you down and make you feel good.

Laughter builds immunity. Some of these same hormones strengthen your immune system. See? Happy people may get sick less because they’re happy!

Laughter strengthens your diaphragm. Big, “belly laughs” utilize your diaphragm, which is an important muscle that helps you breathe deeply.

Laughter benefits sleep. By reducing stress (both physically and mentally), laughter helps your body and mind unwind, so it’s easier to fall asleep, and you’ll sleep better.

Laughter is cardiovascular? It’s true! Every little bit helps. The more you laugh, the more of a little workout your heart gets. So laughter makes your heart happy, too!

Laughter promotes ‘good’ wrinkles. Okay, this is more vanity than health, but we’d all rather have smile lines around the eyes than wrinkles from a furrowed brow. Lighten up! You’ll look happier when you’re old.

Laughter and recovery. In some cases (but not all), how fast people recover from an injury can be affected by their attitude and frame of mind. The more you laugh, the more positive you’ll be.

Laughter burns calories. It’s true! Laughing for several minutes at a time can burn calories. If even just 10 at a time, it’s a good excuse!

Laughter increases blood flow. Your body needs blood, so let it flow. Negative emotions can constrict blood flow, but laughter frees it up!

Laughter builds confidence. This may not seem like a direct connection between laughter and health, but it is important. Laughter makes you feel better about yourself, which affects how you use your body. The more you laugh, the more likely you are to sit up straight, be active, and try new things.

So what about the saying “laughter is the best medicine”? Laughter and health do have some clear, proven connections. Maybe it’s not a wonder cure for any big diseases, but it certainly doesn’t hurt (unless you have a bad cough or stomach cramps. Then it might hurt and you should probably stick to smiling!)

At the very least, laughter just feels good. Who can argue with that?

Of course if you have other health issues you should consult your doctor first.

http://laughterthebestmedicine.com/

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