Healthy Lifestyles: Laughter

Have you ever heard the phrase: laughter is the best medicine? When you laugh you are psychologically telling your brain to be more positive and joyful. Most of the time when we laugh are with our family/friends or watching something funny on youtube or on social media. Something as small as laughing can enhance your intake of oxygen which can stimulate your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increase the endorphins that are released by your brain according to mayoclinic.org. Laughter is often misinterpreted, sometimes it’s a sign of disrespect or pride but laughter is a method of reducing the level of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Laughter brings the focus away from our anger, guilt, pain, negative emotions, and so on.

Improve Moods: At a young age, we as children often laugh numerous times a day because of how carefree we are. However, as time goes on you often feel overwhelmed from school and don’t find joy in laughter as you used to. Life tends to be more serious and laughter is seen as infrequent or irrelevant. But by having a positive mindset or finding time to laugh with your friends and family, can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, and find greater happiness to help you keep on living. So never underestimate the power of laughter. Something as simple as looking through your favorite photos on your phone or creating an album can bring a smile to your face. You’ll be surprised by how much your mood can improve by doing something as effortless as smiling and laughing!

Positivity: When you are out with your friends and family, how many times do you smile or laugh? Probably a lot, the reason is that laughter connects people, just like smiling or showing an act of kindness. Laughter is also contagious, it has a way to make others around you crack a smile or laugh along. We all know smiling creates a positive feeling.

However, did you know maintaining this upbeat thinking has real health benefits such as increased life span, better cardiovascular health, and lower rates of depression? Of course, you shouldn’t fake your smile or happiness, do what you want or have a passion for! Make time to connect with friends or family who make you laugh whether it’s through their joke-telling or story-sharing. Remember, the more laughter in your life, the happier you and those around you will feel.

Strengthen Immune System: Even if laughing may seem awkward to you, you are helping your immune system evolve. That good feeling when you smile or laugh triggers a chemical reaction in your brain, which releases small proteins called neuropeptides. These tiny molecules maintain immune tolerance and may help fight potentially serious illnesses. Besides depression, laughter isn’t just fighting for your smile, it’s fighting for your life. Life can be very hectic so make sure to include humor in your daily routine. Whether it’s watching your favorite comedy or sharing funny videos or memes with friends. It’s important to find ways to keep the mood light and find time to laugh because one day it might just save your life.