Laughter strengthens the immune system, improves mood, reduces pain and protects against the harmful effects of stress. Nothing works faster and more reliably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor relieves you, gives you hope, connects you with others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release your anger and forgive faster.
With so much healing and renewing power, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a huge resource for overcoming problems, strengthening relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Most importantly, this priceless drug is fun, free, and easy to use.
As children, we laughed hundreds of times a day, but as adults life is usually more serious and laughter is less frequent. But by looking for more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen relationships, find greater happiness, and even extend your life for years.
Laughter is good for your health Laughter relaxes your entire body. A good, hearty laugh eases physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.
Laughter boosts your immune system. Laughter lowers stress hormones and increases your immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, natural chemicals that make you feel better. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves blood vessel function and increases blood flow, which can help protect you from heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it's not a replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day could burn about 40 calories, which could be enough to lose three or four pounds in a year.
Laughter reduces the burden of anger. Nothing dissipates anger and conflict faster than laughing together. Looking at the funny side can put your problems into perspective and allow you to move away from the confrontation without holding onto bitterness or resentment.
Laughing can even help you live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor have outlived those who don't laugh that often. The difference was especially noticeable in those struggling with cancer.
Laughter helps maintain your sanity Laughing makes you feel good. And that positive feeling stays with you even after the laughter has stopped. Humor helps maintain a positive, optimistic outlook in difficult situations, disappointments and loss.
More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult times, laughing or even just smiling can make you feel better. And laughter really is contagious, just listening to it energizes your brain and prepares you to smile and join in the fun.
The link between laughter and mental health Emotions are no longer disturbed by laughter. You cannot feel anxiety, anger or sadness when you laugh.
Laughing helps you relax and recharge your batteries. It reduces stress and increases energy, allowing you to concentrate and achieve more.
Laughter changes perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates a psychological distance that can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and distracted conflict.
Laughter brings you closer to others, which can have a profound impact on all aspects of your mental and emotional health.
Laughter brings people together and strengthens relationships There is a good reason why television sitcoms use the paths of laughter: laughter is contagious. You are many times more likely to laugh in the company of other people than when you are alone. And the more laughter you bring into your life, the happier you and those around you will feel.
