We have probably been hearing the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine”, ever since our school days, and it was then that we put it into practice laughing a hundred times a day. With all the stresses and tensions that surround our growing up into adults, laughter seems to have become infrequent and life more serious. We often forget that laughter is actually an antidote to this very stress, pain, and conflict which works the fastest to ease our minds and bodies. Humor not only elevates our mood but it also increases our focus and alertness. It connects us with those around, releases our anger and allows us to forgive sooner. And the best part, it’s free, fun and easy to use.
# It builds up your immune system: A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggested that people who laugh often show a decrease of stress-related hormones and an increase in the number of activated T cells and natural killer cells, both of which boost the immune system.
# Laughing instantaneously increases blood flow to the all-important organ of the human body – The Heart.
# According to a 2011 study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, researchers found that the simple act of laughing which releases the feel-good endorphins into the body along with the deep breaths helps relax the muscles and aids in pain relief.
# Laughter is powerful as it helps burn calories. Researchers have found that laughing for about 10-15 minutes a day, helps burn approximately 40 calories. All the more reason to laugh regularly!
# It lowers your blood pressure and helps your blood vessels to function better.
# It decreases stress and anxiety.
# It helps fight depression. Although you may not feel like, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that laughter helps ease your symptoms.