If you are beating depression, or just going through a difficult time that is affecting your mood, laughter is not a remedy to be overlooked. The very act of laughter releases feel good endorphins into our body and instantly gives us an injection of happiness. Never underestimate the power of having a good laugh, here’s why.
1. Depression
As we said already, laughter can combat depression and feelings of unhappiness. It reduces tension and stress, allowing us to feel better in tough circumstances and relaxing the entire body. Laughter can even act as a natural pain receiver.
2. Better Sleep
Laughter helps you to sleep better and helps prevents insomnia by releasing sleep inducing hormones. Try listening to a funny podcast or your favourite comedian before you go to bed and see if it helps you have a better night’s sleep.
3. Increases Connection To Others
Laughing with other people creates a social connection and a bond. It breaks the tension in nerve racking situations and reinforces friendships so crack some jokes more often and who knows who you will start to connect with.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Laughing lowers blood pressure which reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. To keep your blood pressure at a happy level, have a hearty laugh every day.
5. Weight Loss
When we laugh, our bodies release serotonin which is a natural appetite suppressant. Laughing also tightens and exercises our stomach muscles, which definitely beats having to do sit ups to obtain a great looking stomach.
6. Improves Heart Health
Laughter gets the heart pumping and gives you some light cardio exercise. If you don’t feel like hitting the gym or going for a walk, watch your favourite comedy and start giggling to your heart’s content!
7. Longer Life
Studies have shown that people who laugh often live longer than those who don’t. It also was found to help sufferers of cancer. So if you want a long and healthy life, lighten up and find out what tickles your funny bone.
8. Boosts The Immune System
Laughter reduces the stress hormones in our bodies and increases infection fighting antibodies which prevent disease and illness.
As well as all of the health benefits mentioned above, laughing is just a fun and enjoyable thing to do so try and laugh a lot, your body and mind will thank you for it!
