Laughing Has Health Benefits
How many times have you heard that laughter is the best medicine?
The National Cancer Institute found that people who laugh regularly boost their immune system by decreasing hormones related to stress inside their body. In addition, laughter ups the number of natural killer cells and activated T cells, which are two things that can help your body stay healthy and strong. If you are feeling lonely or depressed, try watching a comedy and have a good laugh. There is a good chance that it will make you feel a little better.
In fact, laughter has many health benefits. One benefit is that it increases resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenges—by improving mood, reducing stress and fostering creativity.
Every time you laugh, chemicals are released that play an important role in boosting your health and emotional well-being.
Researchers have found that laughing provides you with a mini-workout. This workout is very similar to aerobic exercise. Laughing hard will boost your respiratory rate and heart rate and increase your oxygen consumption.
Research by the Cleveland Clinic shows that laughing increases blood flow to your heart in the same way that aerobic exercise does. The next time you want to feel good and boost your heart health, have a good laugh with some friends. Tell jokes or watch a comedy, using the excuse that it is good for your heart.
Laughter can also relieve stress, a factor that causes many health issues, including high blood pressure. If you are feeling stressed and need to relax, have a good laugh. Laughter will help relieve the stress you are holding inside; will improve your mood, making it easier to handle problems; and lower your blood pressure.
Another benefit of laughter is that it boosts creativity. When you are feeling relaxed and safe, your brain has more power to be more creative. If you are putting off a project because of a lack of creativity, a good laugh with friends may be all you need to get rolling again.
A study conducted by the Journal of Alternative Medicine found that just three hour-long laughter therapy sessions were enough to improve the mood states and self-esteem of participants. So if you are diagnosed with depression, consider asking your medical provider about this type of therapy.
There are many benefits to laughter, so watch a good comedy, or go out with friends. Don’t hold back on the big belly laugh–enjoy it. It will make you feel better.
For more information, check out these sources:
*Written by Chester Curtis, Army Resilience Directorate