When Last Did You Have a Good Laugh? Here are 3 Health Benefits Of Laughter

When Last Did You Have a Good Laugh? Here Are Three Health Benefits of Laughter…

There are so many benefits of laughter, I wanted to share some with you! When last did you have a good belly laugh to the point where you almost cried?

Everybody enjoys a good laugh, whether it’s from a sitcom on TV, a live comedy show, or a friend or family member joking around. In recent times with all that has been happening in the world, many of us may not feel in the mood to laugh.

However, there are real health benefits to laughter and you may think that this sounds rather crazy, but your favorite sitcom can do wonders for your health!

In 1964, Norman Cousins, a journalist, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis which is a very painful type of arthritis of the spine, which causes inflammation and the gradual fusing of the vertebrae. In his book “Anatomy Of An Illness (as perceived by the patient)”, Cousins said that he had markedly improved his symptoms of the disease, through the use of humor. He regularly watched Marx Brothers movies and found that they helped to improve his pain. His book did a lot to generate interest in the healing benefits of humor and laughter.

Here’s How Laughter Can Help:

1. Physiological Changes
   When you laugh, your body releases endorphins into the blood system. Endorphins act as natural pain killers and are also responsible for making you feel happy. The best part is endorphins are completely free of any side effects – it’s all-natural! That’s why you feel a “natural high” after the right dose of laughter.[1]
   Laughing not only leads to a feeling of well-being, but it can also do the following:
   • Lower blood pressure – This cycle starts with the blood pressure rising when you start to laugh but then it decreases to levels below normal. When you take deep breaths while laughing, more oxygen-rich blood is transported quickly throughout your body.[2]
   • Reduce stress and increase your attentiveness, heart rate, and pulse – When your heart rate and pulse are elevated, you’ll feel more energized. Of course, being more attentive can lead to better learning and growth. [3]
   • Make your heart grow stronger – For a long time now, heart specialists have established that mental stress is particularly harmful to the heart and is one of the leading causes of the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the coronary arteries. By laughing and reducing that stress on a regular basis, you’re helping your body reduce that fat buildup while reducing your risk of a heart attack. [4]
   • Lower blood sugar – Laughter helps with reducing stress. High stress often leads to an increase in blood sugar levels. [5]
2. Laughter as a Form of Exercise
   J. Adam Rindfleisch, MPhil, MD said in an article, “Laughter increases heart and respiratory rates as well as oxygen consumption over a short period. After these initial changes, a person moves into a state of relaxation. While these effects may not be the equivalent to aerobic exercise, as some claim, that is not to say it is entirely without benefits as physical activity. 10-15 minutes of laughter per day may burn 10-40 extra calories.” [6]
   So when you throw back your head and laugh heartily, you’re working your muscles from the hips to the shoulder and you are getting a good workout. It may sound silly, but it’s true.
   • Ever heard of “Laughter Yoga?” It’s a form of yoga class where you perform the regular stretches while getting silly to induce laughter. Activities range from imitating animals to speaking in gibberish. If you think this sounds odd, you’re right. It is! We should laugh more and have fun!
3. Improve Your Mental Health with Laughter
   Every day you’re faced with challenges and it’s completely up to you how to confront them. You can choose a positive attitude or a negative one. Laughing when faced with a challenge can help lift your mood (as well as those around you) and maybe you’ll be able to view the challenge in a positive light. This will help you reduce stress and be more productive.
   • Use laughter as a way to reconnect with your family and friends, especially during troubling times. When you laugh you generally talk more, make direct eye contact, and even get into a closer connection with the person
   • Watch or listen to something funny as often as you can
   • Consider taking up Laughter Yoga. A 2018 review of 6 Laughter Yoga studies concluded it has the potential benefit for helping with mental health issues, although, more research is needed.[7]

A Good Laugh Every Single Day…

Laughter has many physical benefits to your overall health and wellbeing. However, you obviously still need to exercise, eat well, and go for your routine checkups.

If you feel that you do not have enough laughter in your life and you are missing the feeling of being self-fulfilled, knowing at the back of your mind that there is more in life for you, I invite you to take this free 3 min. quiz to see what may be blocking you from continued success.

May your life always be filled with laughter!

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