Laughter is the best medicine

Laughter is a great form of stress relief. And that’s no joke.

Obviously, a good laugh cannot cure all ailments and conditions however, research has confirmed the therapeutical value of laughter. And here are just a few of those benefits:

1. Addressing stress

Your body releases cortisol when you are stressed. Cortisol helps manage blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, manages metabolism, and triggers the fight or flight response in your body at critical times. These are all good, but too much cortisol could be very harmful and eventually result in burnout.

Laughter is one of the ways your body can help regulate cortisol. Laughing increases your oxygen intake, which stimulates body circulation and decrease your cortisol levels. Some studies show that just the act of laughing without having humour in it can have positive stress-relieving effects.

2. Improving the immune system

Ever had the experience that you fall ill after a stressful situation or stressful period in your life? Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system. This, in turn, decreases your immunity. On the other hand, positive thoughts can release endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers), which can help ease chronic pain and make you feel good all over.

One research study had participants watch 15 minutes of a comedy show in a group. Their pain tolerance increased 10% more than before the laughter.

3. Improves cardiac health

Remember the last time you had a really good laugh and even felt a pain on your tummy? Laughter is a great cardio workout, especially for those who are incapable of doing other physical activity due to injury or illness. It gets your heart pumping. Some studies have concluded that it burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace.

Laughter is also lowering your blood pressure which in turn will reduce your risk of a stroke and a heart attack.

4. A sense of well-being

Laughter can increase your overall sense of well-being. Doctors have found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight diseases better than people who tend to be more negative.

Are you afraid that you have an underdeveloped or non-existent sense of humour? Not a problem as humour can be learned. In fact, developing or refining your sense of humor may be easier than you think. Here are a couple of ideas:

1. Surround yourself with fun

Find a few simple items, such as photos, greeting cards or comic strips, that make you chuckle. Then hang them up at home or in your office. Keep funny movies, TV shows, books, magazines, comedy videos on hand for when you need an added fun boost.

Make it a habit to spend time with friends who make you laugh. And then return the favour by sharing funny stories or jokes with those around you.

2. Laugh at yourself

Find a way to laugh about your own situations and you will noticeably feel how your stress begin to fade away. And it is ok if it feels forced at first; continue to practise laughing.

3. Set the intention

Make a resolution, or set the intent, of laughing heartily as often as you can!

Taking a self-care break and finding things that entertain you might feel like a luxury. However, for the sake of your health, it is essential. Even as little as 15 minutes a day to do something that makes you laugh could help you live a longer, healthier life. Or, if nothing strikes you as funny, just force a fake laugh and before you know it, the real laughs will come.

Laughter is the language of the soul. Pablo Neruda.