Laughing is healthy! Why not try it some more?
Children have a remarkable ability to find joy in the simplest of things, and their laughter is both infectious and abundant, resonating about 200 times each day. In contrast, as adults, we tend to navigate the complexities of life with a more reserved approach, averaging a mere 15 laughs daily.
It’s truly a missed opportunity when we consider the myriad benefits that laughing brings to our overall well-being. Because laughter is a powerful tonic that not only uplifts our spirits but also provides numerous health advantages.
Happiness hormones
When you laugh, the production of various happiness hormones is heightened, contributing to a sense of satisfaction and joy. These hormones also possess analgesic properties, providing an additional benefit.
Furthermore, laughter plays a crucial role in stress reduction. Research from the Loma Linda School of Medicine indicates that laughter inhibits the production of cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone.
Cortisol, released by the adrenal glands, triggers a physiological stress response, leading to dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, and stiffening of coronary arteries. By laughing frequently and reducing cortisol levels, you can mitigate this stress response, enhancing blood circulation and potentially reducing the risk of a heart attack.
Additionally, laughing is associated with decreased levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, both contributing to further stress reduction.
The immune system
Laughter is often referred to as the best medicine, and for good reason. It has been scientifically proven to have numerous benefits for both the mind and body. One of the most remarkable benefits of laughter is its positive impact on the immune system.
Laughing has been shown to influence the production of glucocorticoids, which play a crucial role in regulating the immune system. These hormones affect the production of white blood cells or lymphocytes. These cells are responsible for identifying and destroying virus-infected cells and tumors in the body, making them a vital part of our immune system.
Interestingly, whether your laughter is genuine or simulated, it can still have a positive impact on your immune system. This is because your body cannot distinguish between authentic and fake laughter. When you purposefully burst into laughter, your body interprets it as genuine, leading to effects like decreased blood pressure and reduced production of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Reducing the levels of these stress hormones in the body can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. High levels of stress hormones have been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Laughter is like a very small workout
Did you know that laughing can also help you burn calories? While it may not replace an hour-long workout at the gym, every bit counts, and laughing is an excellent way to get started.
When you laugh, you engage not only your facial muscles but also your diaphragm and abdominal muscles. These muscles work together to produce the sound of laughter, and the more you laugh, the more calories you burn.
Studies have shown that just ten to fifteen minutes of laughter can burn approximately 50 calories, which is equivalent to a small piece of chocolate or a glass of wine.
Conclusion of laughing is healthy! Why not try it some more?
Overall, the benefits of laughter are clear. Incorporating humor and laughing into our daily lives can not only make us feel better in the moment but can also have a lasting impact on our overall health and well-being.
So, why not take a cue from children and infuse our days with a bit more laughter, unlocking the countless benefits that come with it? After all, a hearty laugh not only brightens our mood but also serves as a powerful catalyst for a happier and healthier life. So go ahead and let out a good laugh!
