We hear the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine” too often. Over the years, a number of researches have been done proving that laughter can indeed help boost our physical and mental health.
Laughter prevents heart diseases.
In 2000, cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center conducted a study, showing how laughter can prevent heart diseases. According to the findings, laughter supposedly releases chemicals that serve as a protective cover of the heart’s membranes, preventing it from having a break down. The findings also show that people who laugh less are prone to developing heart conditions more than people who enjoy a chuckle or two.
Laughter improves the immunity system.
Other studies support the Maryland study saying that our body’s chemistry changes when we laugh enough, resulting in improved immunity system. Apparently, we’re more equipped to deal with infections and virus when we’re in a cheery mood because laughter induces deeper breathing that allows more oxygen to flow in the blood streams and distribute nutrients to our body properly. We can fight off sickness better because of the chemical reactions laughter brings. We also develop better immunity for stress triggers when stress, doctors say, is one of the reasons why the body weakens.
Laughter lowers pulse and heart rates.
The same chemicals released when we laugh help improve our pulse rate and heart rate, allowing us to be more alert and attentive to what is going on around us. Those who regularly indulge in laughter would be able to enjoy less problems relating to hypertension, too, as shown in a study at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. Participants of this study were treated to comedy and storytelling during the sessions, relatively lowering their systolic blood pressure after a few months.
Laughter offers a good workout.
When we laugh, our body goes through what can be compared as a workout routine. Our abdominal and facial muscles are strengthened and our respiratory system opens up well, allowing it to function better. Hence, laughter can also be calorie burning. It’s as good as riding a bike for several minutes.
Laughter promotes mental wellness.
Humor keeps our mental state healthy, as laughter eases the tension in the muscles, helping the brain stay more alert. We can retain information better with a clear mind, as it is more relaxed when we process any information. This is the reason why some professionals in mental health use laughter during grief counselling sessions, believing that it can help a person’s coping mechanisms better. In fact, many hospitals in the US have actually set up their own therapy programs on the basis of just making patients laugh. These programs have been helpful in reducing hospital stay and providing better patient cure.
Laughter enhances moods that affect relationships.
It can dissipate any negative emotion, like anger or aggression. We’re bound to deal with stress better and react in a more favorable manner when faced with a frustrating situation, when we cultivate a cheery disposition. Our connection to the people around us is more pleasant because having a sense of humor can help shift our perspective, insights and objectivity positively. Overall, laughter makes us feel good about everything, which is why it’s not too hard to see why many consider this as the cheapest form of medicine. It is also the only kind of infection you would be glad to know is contagious.
