Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter is a part of human behavior regulated by brain. It can bring people together and establish amazing connections. . Laughter is a stress-reducer, immunity-booster, heart-helper, and confidence-builder. Read on to learn more about the surprising benefits of humor.

1. LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE

People who lower their blood pressure, even those who start at normal levels, will reduce their risk of stroke and heart attack. So grab the Sunday paper, flip to the funny pages, and enjoy your laughter medicine.

People with high blood pressure, try to laugh more and watch your blood pressure decrease. Even those who start at normal levels, will reduce their risk of stroke and heart attack. Laughter causes an initial increase in arterial blood pressure due to the physical act of laughing, but that rise is followed by a decrease to below the normal resting blood pressure

2. REDUCES STRESS HORMONE LEVELS

When one smiles, the movement of the facial muscles sends signals to the brain which in turn triggers the release of certain neurotransmitters called endorphins. These chemicals act as natural pain killers, make us feel happy and reduce our stress hormones. The more one stimulates the brain to release the chemicals the more one feels calm and composed. When you are stressed, the body secretes stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol becomes more active when we are anxious or sad or angry as a result of which, the body initiates a sympathetic reaction. On the other hand, happy thoughts initiate a parasympathetic reaction.

3. WORKS YOUR ABS

One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone your abs. When you laugh real hard, the stomach muscles expand and contract just as when you are performing an ab workout. Laughter acts as a cheat sheet to get that toned stomach. Add laughter to your ab routine and make getting a toned tummy more enjoyable.

4. IMPROVES CARDIAC HEALTH

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 and burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace. So, laugh your heart into health.

5. BOOSTS T-CELLS

T-cells are specialized immune system cells just waiting in your body for activation. When you laugh, you activate T-cells that immediately begin to help you fight off sickness. Next time you feel a cold coming on, add chuckling to your illness prevention plan.

6. TRIGGERS THE RELEASE OF ENDORPHINS

Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. By laughing, you can release endorphins, which can help ease chronic pain and make you feel good all over.

7. PRODUCES A GENERAL 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. So smile, laugh, and live longer!