Today’s Health and Wellness topic is all about, “laugh out loud” (LOL)! Every one of us has heard the phrase, ‘laughter is the best medicine.’ But did you know there are actually health benefits to laughter?! I had my suspicions as laughing hard with my friends has always felt cathartic, similar to a good, hard cry. When I decided to write on this topic, I thought I’d just be speaking from opinion but when I researched the subject I found some great information on the benefits of laughter. Check out what I learned from HelpGuide.org:
Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.
With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Laughter is good for your health in the following ways:
Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
So laugh on, dear readers! It’s good for you and definitely a part of living5x5.
Share with me what makes you laugh out loud in the comment section below. Don’t forget to GRAB my FREE Manifesto Guide for everyday inspiration.
