Laugh More – It’s Good for You!

Not feeling your best? Laugh about it! No, really. It’s good for you.

We hear “laughter is the best medicine” all the time, but it’s actually true. Aside from adding joy and a little zest to your life – not unlike your favorite lemon-flavored beverage – laughter really does have a whole bunch of other health benefits. Who knew, right?

This #WellnessWednesday, we’ve compiled some of the most compelling benefits of laughter, so you can giggle, chortle and guffaw your way to better health.

Laughter Relaxes the Muscles

Unclench that jaw, drop those shoulders and let it all out. A deep, hearty laugh has proven to help relieve physical tension and stress in the body. The best part? Those relaxing effects can last for almost an hour.

Laughter Triggers Endorphins

Endorphins are the body’s natural pick-me-ups. They’re the happy chemicals that are released in our brains when we exercise, do something we enjoy or, you guessed it, when we have a good laugh. Endorphins promote a general sense of wellbeing and are known to be an effective pain-reliever.

Laughter Strengthens the Heart

If you’re going to laugh, make sure it’s heartfelt. Genuine laughter (the kind where you squeak, wheeze or snort, preferably) improves blood flow throughout the body and strengthens the blood vessels surrounding the heart, helping to reduce your risk for heart attack and other cardiovascular issues.

Laughter Burns Calories

Your daily workout just got a whole lot funnier. While it doesn’t replace physical exercise, laughter does burn calories. Laughing for as little as 10-15 minutes each day can burn through approximately 40 calories. And hey, the more you laugh the better the “workout,” right?

Laughter May Help You Live Longer

Because laughter is known to reduce stress, boost the immune system and improve mental health, studies suggest that those who laugh the loudest (and the most often) might just outlast their sullen counterparts.  Additionally, laughter can help those battling health issues relieve pain and promote natural healing in the body.

 

So, the next time you’re not feeling your best, try laughing a little. You might just giggle your way into healthier, happier living.

Have you had a good laugh lately? Tell us about it in the comments below!