We all know that laughs can be infectious, but it’s actually good medicine for your mind and body as well! Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster at regaining balance than a good laugh. The physical benefits of laughter include:

• Boosts immunity – Laughter increases immune cells, which improves your resistance to disease
• Lowers stress hormones
• Decreases pain – Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals
• Relaxes your muscles – A good, healthy laugh can relieve physical tension and keep your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes
• Prevents heart disease – By improving the function of the blood vessels, laughter helps prevent against heart attack and other cardiovascular problems

Your body just doesn’t benefit physically, either. It’s good for your mental health as well:

• Adds joy and zest to life
• Eases anxiety and fear (you can’t feel anxious, angry or sad when you’re laughing)
• Relieves stress
• Increases energy
• Improves mood
• Enhances resilience (by allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light, humour creates a psychological distance which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed)

Laughter is also beneficial in social and work settings:

• Strengthens relationships
• Attracts others to us
• Enhances teamwork
• Helps defuse conflict
• Promotes group bonding

Not sure where to start on your “laugh therapy”? Everything starts with you! Learn to laugh at yourself and not take things so seriously. No one expects you to be perfect, and you shouldn’t expect it of yourself! When a situation presents itself, try to see the lighter side. Obviously this doesn’t work in every situation but the adage “don’t sweat the small stuff” really does apply here. Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Smile a lot. When people see you smile, they tend to smile back. If you need a “laugh boost”, create an opportunity for laughs.

• Watch a funny movie or TV show
• Go to a comedy club
• Read the funny pages
• Seek out funny people
• Share a good joke or a funny story
• Check out your bookstore’s humor section
• Host game night with friends
• Play with a pet
• Go to a “laughter yoga” class
• Goof around with children
• Do something silly
• Make time for fun activities (e.g. bowling, miniature golfing, karaoke)

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start giggling!

 

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