Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Did you know that laughter can have as much therapeutic benefit as any of the drugs on the market. It is as contagious as any virus floating around but in a good way, of course. And it’s free. Easily shared with friends, colleagues and family. Laughter is an icebreaker, stress reliever and tension eleviater.

A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but evidence is mounting about the positive effects laughter can have.

Laughter has positive physical effects on your body. Laughter does a great deal more than just make us feel good. The endorphin release that is created has a powerful physical effect. Studies on laughter have shown that there are short and long term effects from the simple act of laughing. Laughter is a potent endorphin releaser. More than just improving your disposition, laughter has some very positive physical “side effects”.

Short-term effects of laughter:

1. Relieves Stress
2. Soothes Tension
3. Stimulates Organs

A good hearty laugh raises your heart rate and blood pressure and then lowers it again. The powerful endorphins released in your brain cause you to take in more oxygen-rich air, stimulating your heart, lungs and other internal organs. All of this naturally stimulates greater blood flow to your entire body relaxing muscles and creating a calming release of tension.

Long-Term Effects:

1. Improves Immune System
2. Pain Reliever
3. Improves Mood and Self Esteem

Laughter, along with the positive feelings and outlook it provides causes neuropeptides to be released which helps fight stress, which is now believed to be a major contributor to serious illness. Laughter helps to ease pain by producing its own natural painkillers. Laughter also improves your mood, aids in relieving depression and just makes you feel better about yourself and whatever situations in life you are facing. Now these are some “side effects” you’d be happy to deal with.

Did you that laughter can also increas longevity. A study out of Norway found that people with a healthy sense of humor outlived those who didn't laugh as much. This was especially true with patients battling cancer.

Did You Know There Are Different Types of Laughter? Tickling, joyous and taunting laughter. Scientists have been studying our brains as we attempt to interpret the different types of laughter we are hearing . The scientists noted the increased activity between different areas of the brain. So laughter apparently fosters connections in the brain and between people.

Naturally, we notice and enjoy the social connections much more. Women who were surveyed said that a sense of humor was one of the top three things they looked for in a man. Laughter provides a positive type of glue in a relationship. Couples who have healthy long-term relationships often attribute having a great sense of humor as an essential component. The brain’s endorphin release while laughing is a highly contagious and bonding factor. It fosters a sense of cohesion and safety.

Laughter is so contagious that in a large group setting people will start laughing even when they don’t know why, just because everyone else is. Laughter also helps to let go of inhibitions in really personal relationships and release minor grudges and annoyances. You also tend to be more spontaneous, free spirited and fun loving when you are in a group where humor is shared and welcome. Minor tensions can build over time at work or home between people and a healthy sense of humor can keep situations more light-hearted and open. Allowing people to feel safe to truly express their needs or desires with others. It keeps the lines of communication free and easy.

Laughter can also help you to see things in a different light. A change of perspective can be enormously helpful when dealing with difficult situations or people. A new perspective can lessen that overwhelmed feeling we all get from time to time. And laughter helps to difuse conflict. It's hard to be angry when you are laughing.

Steps To Improve Your Sense Of Humor:

1. Go online and find a couple of joke books or better yet go to your local bookstore or library - Jot a few funny jokes down to share with friends or colleagues.

2. Find a comic strip that makes you chuckle and cut them out or print them and hang them in your kitchen or office. Collect some funny movies or old episodes of Carol Burnett (or whatever tickles your funny bone)

3. Listen to humorous podcasts or find a website that has funny quotes.

4. Find a way to laugh at yourself. Your tensions will ease and your mood will improve. Be playful just like a child is or a pet. Children laugh spontaneously at nothing at all just because it feels so good. Laughter has a renewing and refueling effect on us. Did you know it even sparks your creativity? That will help you solve and deal with life even more easily thus lightening your burdens. A win win for you and everyone in your life.

5. Be grateful for your blessings. Recognize and acknowledge them and then give thanks for what ever blessings you have in life. You woke up today, be grateful. Your family is alive and safe, be grateful. You have a roof over your head and food on the table, be grateful. It may seem trivial or silly but it isn't. It's a change in attitude and a true change in heart that will have a ripple effect you may be shocked by.

6. Most importantly - Share your life and laughter with positive people who love, laugh and lift you up. As you nourish those relationships that feed your spirit you will find greater fulfillment, more joy and more blessings will find you everyday.

Laughter is truly the best medicine. Enjoy it, share it and be well.