Laughter is indeed the best medicine. It’s a emotion, a feeling, an action that is more ancient than language. Not only humans but
animals know how to laugh too. It’s a natural response and is proven to be highly beneficial for the body and the mind. It really doesn’t matter how you laugh; whether you chuckle, chortle, or snort. Even the weirdest little giggling that is unique of you, can make a huge difference on your sense of wellbeing. Research studies claim that it’s the best preventative medicine for any type of ailment.
Science tells us that laughter helps in keeping us healthy. And that is the reason why doctors recommend for us to lighten up and take some time off to laugh more every day. Furthermore, research studies tell us that people who love to laugh lead happier and healthier lives. Here are the top reasons why:
1. Stress reduction
According to a study conducted by the Indiana State University, it has been found that regular bouts of laughter not only reduce stress levels, but increases chances of survival and longevity among cancer and HIV patients. The simple act of chuckling soothes the mind and reduces tensions throughout the entire body, resulting in reduces production of stress hormones.
2. Decreased feelings of fear and anxiety
Negative feelings of fear and anxiety are proven to be detrimental to health and wellbeing. Those who have made it second nature to laugh are in way better disposition than those who never laugh at all. Every time we laugh, the brain releases good hormones, namely dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These compounds work by boosting good mood, enhance or heightening positive experiences, and reduce feelings of fear and anxiety.
3. Better respiratory condition
Laughter fills the lungs with fresh air that in turn helps you to breathe in deeper. People who love laughing stretch their lungs to optimum capacity, thus increasing their heart rate. The activity of laughing also reinvigorates the entire body. Laughing is similar to having that splash of fresh water for the lungs and the rest of the respiratory system.
4.Decreased chances of developing heart disease
Based on a study conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland, there is a clear connection between laughter and cardiovascular wellbeing. Laughter causes the tissues of blood vessel lining to expand, thus improving systemic circulation. With this, we can conclude that people who love to laugh are improving blood circulation as evidenced by increased blood flow. Improved circulation and a boost in blood vessel form and function also protect the heart from diseases.
5. Laughter makes you more resistant to pain
People who laugh often need not take morphine or other forms of
painkiller. Apart from pain relief and anxiety reduction, the feel-good hormones release when we laugh, relieve pain too. This is one of the reasons why an increasing number of folks are turning to laughter Yoga to ease the body and mind.
6. Least likely to be aggressive even in stressful situations
People who have made it a habit to laugh more than others show lower chances of becoming violent or aggressive. Laughter is a
positive emotion that wards off negative feelings such as aggression and anger to name a few. For instance, a short chuckle can help diffuse tensions and conflicts. Laughing also delivers a calming and relaxing on the body for up to 45 minutes. This is just one of the many psychological benefits that laughing
guarantees to people.
7. Boost in Immune System Function
As mentioned earlier, laughing as an activity reduces the production of stress hormones, which in turn improves both blood circulation and respiration. It is also a healthy outlet for negative emotions. Combine all of these benefits and you get toboost your immune system function too. Studies reveal that T-cell count increases each and every time you laugh, thus improving immunity too.
8. Laughing is considered a mini workout too!
Based on research studies conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, laughter delivers the same health benefits as that of exercise. Different muscle groups such as that of the shoulder and the abdominal region contract whenever we laugh.
9. Exude a radiant and youthful glow
Laughing faces are more pleasant to look at than those
who frown a lot. Apart from the beauty and radiance that you exude when you laugh, you are more likely to attract people to you due to the positive aura that you natural showcase. Based on research men prefer women wholaugh at their jokes and wit, while women on the other hand prefer men who make then laugh. A smile is more attractive than any other makeup you can putin your face.
10. Laughter builds stronger relationships
People who include laughter as part of their everyday life and look at life through the colorful lens of humor enjoy stronger bonds
of love and intimacy. As laughter induces positive emotions and happy feelings, it also helps in enhancing romantic relationships and friendships. Embrace laughter and you will most assuredly break down barriers to happiness.
