There are some days, when there really is nothing to laugh about.
Life throws all types of unexpected twists and curves as we navigate the pathways to success. It’s important to remember to maintain a sense of humor throughout this challenging journey.
Finding a way to make yourself laugh during the day has all types of health benefits.It could be watching your favorite comedy, reading a book of jokes, just anything to get you giggling.
If you don’t believe us, check out these tips from Dr. John Huber on all the benefits of laughter. Here is how laughing makes us healthy.
Boosting Brain Power
In a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores.
Reducing Stress
Laughter is the best medicine. Here is a picture of Drake laughing.
Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Prolonging Life
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. This was especially significant with cancer patients.
Boosting Physical Health
Laughter increases vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood, and helps lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that repetitious ‘mirthful laughter’ causes the body to respond in a way similar to moderate physical exercise. Laughter enhances your mood, decreases stress hormones, enhances immune activity, lowers bad cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, and raises good cholesterol (HDL).
Strengthening the Immune System: Laughter increases the ability of your immune system by increasing the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells.
Reducing Frequency of Colds
Some research has even shown that laughter defends against respiratory infections — even reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva.
Increasing Joy
Laughter is the best medicine. Check out Drake and his evil grin.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.”
Dr. John Huber is the chairman for Mainstream Mental Health, a non-profit organization that brings lasting and positive change to the lives of individuals that suffer from mental health issues.
A mental health professional for more than 20 years, Dr. Huber is a clinical forensic psychologist and a practitioner with privileges at two long-term acute-care hospitals.