A day without laughter is a day wasted – Charlie Chaplin
Laughter is a part of life. While we all have different sense of humor – laughter is the product that binds all of us together. But is there any truth to the saying that it is the best medicine? Or is it just something we say to make ourselves feel good and to make others feel good when they’re not?
Here are some of the benefits of laughter that are backed up by science:
1. Laughter is contagious, which helps us bond together
One way to defeat stress is to be around people that can make you feel good. Endorphin, which is a feel-good hormone can also be passed on when we laugh. Remember a time when people are laughing about something, and you ended up laughing with them without knowing what that was about? That’s thanks to endorphin. What it does in a group is that it brings a feeling of safety and togetherness which makes laughing a happy pill.
2. Laughter is a natural antidepressant
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the main ingredient found in antidepressants. It increases the level of serotonin in our brains. Serotonins regulate our moods and controls happiness, anxiety, appetite and even sexual desire. By laughing regularly, our brain also produces bursts of serotonin which makes people who laugh more less prone to being depressed.
3. Laughter guards the heart
Dr. Michael Miller, M.D. of the University of Maryland found out from a study that laughing can do good as much as an aerobic exercise would. That does not mean that we should quit exercising though, but in this report, he found out how laughter helps the heart. How does it work? Well, laughter negates the impact of mental stress in our bodies. One particular area that is affected when we are stressed out is the endothelium, which regulates our blood flow and adjusts how the blood clots or coagulates. If the endothelium is happy, then there is a lower risk for cardiovascular disease to manifest.
4. Laughter may reduce inflammation in the body
In a study made in Japan, those who are experiencing rheumatoid arthritis was found to have better anti-inflammatory factors in their blood as they enjoy laughter.
5. Laughter can help you live longer
In a study based in Norway, they found out that people who have more sense of humor can actually help people live longer, especially those who are battling with cancer.
Laugh more!
If newborns can start smiling the day they are welcomed in the world, all of us have a right to laugh as well. Here are some of the ways you can start adding laughs in your life:
1. Stop focusing on the negative
Life is unfair. That is the truth, but it is not fair to everybody, so that makes it fair! Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, focus on the things that you have. Being appreciative of what you have leads you into a happier mindset, which makes you more vulnerable to laugh and be happy.
2. Smile
Smiling is the beginning of laughter and if you start smiling often, you will see yourself laughing more.
3. Surround yourself with happy experiences, happy thoughts, and happy people
Be in places where people are happy, move towards happiness and even if you don’t consider yourself a bubbly person, being around people who laughs can also boost your happiness level. Create opportunities to laugh like watching funny clips and reading funny stuff. All of this can help you to have your daily dose of laughter.
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So next time you hear a funny joke, don’t stay silent – appreciate and know that laughter does not only make you feel good, it does good in the body!
About The Author
Cathy spends part of her days wondering how to combine her 2 loves, writing and photography. The rest of her time she spends taking care of her two babies. Sheena, a Labrador retriever & Amanda, a Siberian husky. She’s been an OLEIA user since May.
