Laughter is medicine and
science says there are real and tangible benefits associated with
laughter. So if you love laughter and crave comedy, maybe that’s just
your body nudging you toward better health.
Here's Those 9 Very Real Reasons:
1.
It’s good for your heart!
One study showed that people who have
heart disease tend to laugh less than people who don’t. They also
responded with less humor to normal life situations. Humor is good for
your heart!
2. Helps fight cancer. The Cancer Treatment
Centers of America actually use laughter therapy to boost immunity,
relieve pain, and improve moods in cancer patients.
3. Heals relationships. One of the greatest
benefits of laughter is that it brings people closer together. It can
relieve anger and anxiety while restoring positive feelings. Laughter can
break the tension in a tough moment and pave the way for finding
solutions to relationship problems.
4. Makes work fun. Humor in the workplace
(appropriate humor, of course) is a great way to boost creativity and
productivity, and strengthens teamwork and morale.
5. Relieves stress. It probably goes
without saying, but it’s such an important benefit and it’s well worth the
mention: laughter is a huge stress reliever. Stress is one of the
top causes of modern disease, so this might be why laughter has so many health
benefits. It relieves tension and gets oxygen pumping through the whole
body, which is exactly what you need when you are stressed out.
6. Stops pain. Laughter raises endorphins,
chemicals in your brain that are tied to pain relief. Researchers at
Oxford University found a dose-related laughter effect – the more people laugh,
the less pain they feel.
7. Fights depression.
Everyone knows that laughter can lift your spirits, but it can go deeper
than that. Research shows that laughter aids depression recovery, and
people who laugh more become depressed and anxious less often. People who
use humor as a coping mechanism generally have a more positive view of
life, which can help prevent feelings of depression.
8. Boosts your immunity. Laughter can
improve immune system activity, while stimulating circulation and oxygen intake
throughout the body.
9. Sleep better. A study in Japan showed
that laughing more in the evening actually improved sleep quality. So
watch a little of your favorite sitcom or reading a funny book before bed might
help you catch some more shut-eye.
