Is Laughter Really the Best Medicine?
We’ve all heard the saying, “Laughter is the Best Medicine”, but do we really believe that it is true? Let’s take a look at the facts!
Health Benefits of Laughter:
Laughter is the Physiologic Opposite of Stress:
o Laughter decreases levels of stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol and increases happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine!
o Laughter naturally and easily lifts your mood and lets joy flow into your present moment!
o This is a HUGE health benefit in a world where 75% of all major illnesses are related to stress!
Laughter Boosts the Immune System:
o Laughter increases the count of white blood cells and antibody levels throughout the entire body!
o Laughter also stimulates the elimination of toxins from the lymphatic system!
o The act of laughing is an internal massage to your digestive organs, providing them with plenty of blood flow and allowing them to detoxify!
Laughter Strengthens the Respiratory System:
o Most of the time, 75% of the volume of our lungs is filled with stale air that is doing nothing for our health! Laughter completely empties our lungs of all of the stale air and brings in fresh oxygen! This super-oxygenates the blood and strengthens and nourishes every system in our bodies!
oLaughter increases your lung capacity!
Laughter is Anti-Aging:
o Laughter brings a happy glow to your face and increases your playfulness and spontaneity!
o It tones the facial muscles and increases blood flow to the face!
o Laughter also increases your stamina and energy levels!
Laughter is Aerobic Exercise that Anyone Can Do:
o 20 seconds of mirthful laughter (even if faked) can double your heart rate for three to five minutes, an accomplishment that would take three minutes of strenuous rowing on a rowing machine!
Laughter is a Natural Pain Killer:
o Laughter increases the levels of endorphins in the body!
Laughter is Great for the Heart:
o 10 minutes of laughter can reduce high blood pressure by 10-20 mmHg!
o In one study of heart attack patients, half of the participants were required to watch 30 minutes of humorous videos daily. After one year, the “humor group” had far fewer arrhythmias, lower blood pressure and required less medication than the “non-humor group”. Best of all, the “humor group” only had a 20% recurrent heart attack rate compared with the “non-humor groups” 50% rate!
Laughter Helps Dump Depression:
o It boosts the production of serotonin, a natural anti-depressant in the body!
o It relieves anxiety, fear, and boredom (three of the most painful emotions) as well!
Laughter Gives us Perspective:
o It shrinks our problems so that they do not appear as overwhelming!
Laughter is an Important Social Skill:
o It bonds people, breaks down instinctive barriers between people, and brings out the best in everyone!
o Laughter also boosts your self confidence!
Oh yeah, and … Laughter is fun and feels great!
Looks like laughter really is amazing medicine! Possibly even the best! No joke!
MISSION:
World Peace through Laughter
www.livelifelaughing.org
