3 Reasons Why Laughter Is So Good For You
Laughter is one of the best medicines for stress relief.
Laughter is a powerful tool to improve your physical, mental, and social well-being.
Research says that laughter is a great form of stress relief. Laughter activates many areas of your brain that lead to physiological changes in your brain and body that benefit your health.
Laughter is just what your doctor ordered.
“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.”
— Lord Byron, a British Romantic poet
Let’s dive into the three benefits of why laughter is good for you.
1. Physical benefits
Laughter helps you increase your intake of air that stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles. Laughter helps you increase endorphins in your brain and nervous system that reduce your pain and boost your pleasure. Endorphins help you reduce body weight, ease depression, and boost self-esteem.
“Laughter serves as a blocking agent. It’s like a bulletproof vest.”
— Norman Cousins, an American journalist
Laughter also helps you relax your body and stimulates blood flow that’s good for your heart. Laughter reduces stress that can weaken your immune system.
2. Mental benefits
Laughter brings many mental benefits, such as strengthening your resilience, adding joy to your life, and making sure you have a positive outlook. Laughter helps you stay positive during difficult times.
“No matter what your heartache may be, laughing helps you forget it for a few seconds.”
— Red Skelton, an American comedy entertainer
Laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of hope. It helps you relax and recharge your mental batteries. Laughter helps you shift your perspective so you can see situations from a more realistic, less threatening point of view.
3. Social benefits
Laugher can help you connect with other people. Research shows that people who laugh together like each other more. So, make it a habit to spend time with friends who make you laugh.
“Laughter connects you with people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just howling with laughter.”
— John Cleese, an English actor and comedian
Laughter communicates to others that you agree with their view of the world, and that strengthens relationships. Comedians make us laugh, and, as a result, we feel closer to them because laughter is a form of social agreement. It’s in our social DNA to laugh, especially when we see other people laugh. It’s contagious, like yawning.
Bringing it all together
It’s important to find ways to laugh every day, such as hanging out with someone who makes you laugh or watch your favorite stand-up comedian. Laughter is free medicine for reducing stress and anxiety. It improves your physical, mental, and social health. And that’s no joke.