Laughter is the most delightful sound in the world. Humans have been laughing since before they learnt how to talk. 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. Humour 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.
Apart from conveying to people that you’re in a jubiliant mood, there are also many health benefits of laughter.
1. Laughing relieves stress
You might have experienced it plenty of times yourself. Once you give in to a belly laugh, you will see your worries miraculously disappear. This is because laughter counteracts stress hormones such as cortisol. The more you laugh, the more your stress levels will drop.
Stress is something that our lifestyles will not allow you to escape. But, it is at the root of a tonne of disorders and can even prove to be fatal. So, to win the war against stress, laugh!
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
If you have a case of hypertension, then laughter is a necessity. There have been plenty of studies that have proven beyond doubt that laughter can drag down your pressure. And in fact, if you laugh frequently and throughout the day, your blood pressure will stabilize.
3. Protects your Heart
Another advantage of laughter is that it is a great workout for your heart. So, even if you can’t squeeze in time for an intense exercise schedule, make time for some laughter because it’s an excellent form of cardio. It makes your heart beat faster and pump more blood. Laughter boosts blood circulation and thus cleans out arteries of all plaque. A good laugh is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your heart in prime condition.
4. Strengthens your T Cells
T Cells are the bedrock of your immunity. They are responsible for hunting down bacterial or viral cells that may trigger an illness. Your laughter activates these cells and this is how the simple and effortless act of laughing can bolster your immunity and help you fight off diseases.
5. It will make you happy
A heartfelt guffaw not only eradicates stress but also goes a step further and actually makes you happy. Laughter signals the brain to release endorphins- the happy hormone. Endorphins not only promote a feel-good feeling but they can relieve chronic pain.
6. Kills Belly Fat
While laughter cannot be an alternative to exercise, it does its part in the fight against obesity– a killer. When you laugh, your tummy muscles contract and expand. This is a very effective tummy-trimming workout.
Social Benefits of Laughter:
- Humour brings people together. Laughter is contagious and the more you bring it in your life the happier you and those around you will be.
- It strengths relationships. Shared laughter, especially that comes from spending time with family and friends not just helps you connect face to face with them but also leaves you feeling more positive, happier and relaxed.
- It resolves conflicts and disagreements whether with your partners, family, friends or co-workers. Learn to use humour in a way that builds up your relationship with others rather than breaking them.
- It also enhances teamwork and promotes group bonding.
Ways you can bring Laughter in your life:
- Smile: It is the beginning of laughter. Practice smiling. Instead of being lost on your phone, look up, smile at the people you pass on the streets, the person serving you your coffee or a co-worker you meet in the elevator. Like laughter, smile is contagious too. You will see the effect it has.
- Count your blessings: Think of all the positive aspects of your life. This will help block all the negative thoughts.
- When you hear laughter, move towards it.
- Surround yourself with fun, playful people. Be around people who have the ability to laugh at themselves as well as life’s absurdities. Such people find humour in everyday things. Their energy and playful attitude are contagious.
- Bring Humour into your conversation.
- Stimulated laughter can be just as beneficial as real laughter. Join a Laugh yoga or laugh therapy group. Hearing others laugh, even for no apparent reason, often triggers genuine laughter.
Create Opportunities to Laugh:
- Watch comedy movies, shows and videos
- Read funny stories
- Invite your friends or family to a comedy club
- Play with a child
- Do something silly
Develop your sense of humour:
- Learn to laugh at yourself
- Remember funny things, jokes, stories. Write them down or best, share them with people.
- Attempt to laugh at situations
- Keep out the negative people and thoughts
- Nurture your inner child. Laugh at ordinary things
- Don’t go a day without laughing. Like exercise and food, make it a conscious effort to laugh every day.
The ability to laugh, enjoy and have fun benefits you in more than one way. It helps you solve problems, connect with others and also increases your creativity. When life problems weigh you down and you take life too seriously it is difficult to think out of the box, laughter takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, and joyful perspective.
Source: PharmEasy. Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
