“Of all the gifts bestowed by nature on human beings, hearty laughter must be close to the top.” – Norman Cousins
A hearty laugh that brings tears to our eyes, splits our sides into two and makes breathing the toughest job in the world is definitely one of nature’s choicest blessings. Laughter brings people together and binds them with instant connections that last forever. It is more contagious than a common cold and as energizing as a long session at gym. Everything from the slightest giggle to the most boisterous laugh can make a boring atmosphere light up with tangible happiness.
Besides being one of the most fun activities, laughter also brings with itself numerous triggers that benefit your body in more than just one way. Research suggests that jokes and funny banters not only make you better, but they actually bring about healthy changes in your body. Deep-rooted homor can strengthen immunity, boost energy levels, diminish physical pain and alleviate anxieties. Following are just some of the many health benefits of laughing out loud.
1.Laughing reduces stress – Stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine are known to decrease considerably during sessions of laughter. These hormones can adversely affect the immune system thus playing host to a number of infections and illnesses. Laughing therefore reduces our anxiety levels and leaves us feeling rejuvenated. So, while working on a high-stress job, remember to take frequent breaks by looking at really funny pics and relieving the tensions.
2.Laughing improves blood pressure – Laughter therapy can greatly enhance our cardiovascular health. This is because an indulging humorous session can lower or balance the blood pressure and increase our blood circulation. Laughter leads to oxygenation of the blood thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. Going through some crazy funny pics on the internet or reading comics in the morning newspaper can soothe the heart and lift the soul.
3.Laughing ease pain – Laughter is one the best pain relievers we have. And it’s absolutely free. Laughter miraculously diminishes our fears and angers and helps us cope with bad situations. Known to release endorphins, laughter can actually increase our endurance towards pain. Next time you find yourself stuck in the middle of an unpleasant situation, imagine looking at those very funny pics you found on the internet and induce some homor into your tensed nerves.
4.Laughing helps control aggression – Cutting through the stresses and allowing calm to permeate all around, laughter can clear doubts and fears, lower the levels of aggression and have significant psychological effects on your health. Laughter relaxes muscles and eases out any pent up frustrations you may have.
5.Laughing boosts the immune system – Since laughter reduces stress, improves blood circulation and increases oxygen intake, you can tangibly feel the positive immunological responses it results in. Research suggests that laughter increases the levels of salivary immunoglobulin-A (IgA) which is an important antibody that fights bacteria and keeps the infections at bay.
Now that you are aware of the wonderful after-effects that laughter bestows on us, try to find as much humor in your life as you can. Read comic books, watch sitcoms, save clean funny pics on your cell, crack jokes, laugh at your own goofiness. Do something that makes you hysterically happy. It is the best gift you can pamper yourself with.
