People say that Laughter is the best medicine. And it’s true. Laughter can actually improve your health.
Laughter draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Do you allow yourself to laugh? Children laugh all the time, but as adults, life gets so much more serious and laugh
Laughter is an amazing and powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably than laughter to bring your mind and body back into balance. Laughter and humor lighten your burdens, inspire hope, connect you to others, and keep you grounded, focused, and alert as well as to release anger and forgive sooner.
Studies have shown (helpguide.org) that Laughter is good for your health. Laughter:
- Relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
- Boosts the immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, which results in improved resistance to disease.
- Triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals which promotes an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
- Protects the heart by improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
- Burns calories. One study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories.
- Diffuses anger and conflict Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side of
thigs helps put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment. - Help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.
- Makes you feel good and this positive feeling remains with you even after the laughter subsides.
- Helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.
- Helps you find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in difficult times, a laugh or a smile can make you feel better.
- Stops distressing emotions. You can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing.
- Helps you relax and recharge. It increases energy and enables you to stay focused and accomplish more.
- Shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations differently. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, helping you to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Attracts and draws you closer to others, affecting all aspects of your mental and emotional health.
- Smooths over disagreements. Gentle humor and shared fun and intimacy often help you address even the most sensitive issues.
- Other mental and social benefits of laughter:
- Adds joy and zest to life
- Eases anxiety and tension
- Strengthens resilience
- Strengthens relationships
- Enhances teamwork
- Helps defuse conflict
- Promotes group bonding
And the best news is that laughter, this priceless medicine, is fun, free, and easy to use! PLUS one-size-fits-all.
So stop being so dour and serious! Quit taking yourself so seriously! Get out there and laugh. Watch a funny movie, tell a joke or a funny story, share in fun with others, do something silly, play with your pet, or whatever gives you joy.
It’s good for you!
Stop letting the enjoyment of life pass you by because you are too busy taking care of everyone else. Say good-bye to forfeiting hobbies, friends and the self-care you really need most
It’s time for a reboot so you can stop living for everyone else and start creating a life that serves YOU, YOUR DESIRES AND YOUR NEEDS!
Join Dawn’s online event: Reboot Your Boundaries and Your Relationships and learn to set healthy boundaries, reset your relationships and reclaim your life.
