Why Laughing is Important to Our Health

By Brandi Swieter

April is National Humor Month, so what better time to learn about laughing? Laughter should never be taken lightly, as it has many health benefits that can keep the mind and body strong. Laugh more often and experience the joy it brings to your life.

Decreases Stress

Stress levels that remain high for too long can take its toll on the mind and body. People need to find ways to reduce stress, and one such option is laughter. The saying goes that laughter is the best medicine, and this is true in many cases. It can reduce stress levels and keep the mind at ease.

Boosts the Immune System

Laughter gives off certain endorphins that can help with an overall sense of feeling good. As the levels of stress get reduced because of this, the amount of healthy immune cells get boosted. This leads to a boosted immune system and more infection-fighting agents in the body to ward off disease. Basically, laughing keeps people healthier.

Burns Calories

Anyone looking to burn some extra calories can do so easily by finding something to laugh at. Laughing for at least 15 minutes each day can help people lose a least a few pounds throughout the year. It may not seem like much, but it can make a big difference to help people reach and maintain their goal weight. The more laughing a person does each day, the higher amount of calories they can burn.

Promotes Heart Health

Increased blood flow to the heart and well-functioning blood vessels are both necessary for proper heart health. Laughter helps with each of these things, ensuring the heart is able to work at its optimal level. Laughing even a little more than usual can help prevent heart attacks and ward off any other cardiovascular troubles. It may be hard to laugh when going through struggles, but trying to find the humor in everyday life is a great way to keep heart health up and promote health in other areas as well.

Find ways to laugh each day to gain the many benefits laughing offers. With decreased levels of stress, a boost to the immune system, calories burned, and a healthier heart, laughter should be on everyone’s medicine list. Watch as many funny movies as possible, go to a comedy show, and spend time laughing with friends; it's healthy!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Snellville, Ga.

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