Laughing Your Way to Good Health
By Donna Kostiew
Let’s be honest. We all know how good it feels to laugh. There is really nothing better than when we are with family or friends and everyone is joined in on a good, hearty session of pure laughter. You know, the kind where a friend may cover her face because she claims to be an “ugly” laugher -- or where your spouse may start that uncontrollable snorting, encouraging even more laughs, and tears, and stomach cramps. Laughter balances us. It’s as if it instantaneously dissolves all the stress, pain, sadness, and conflict in our lives. And what makes it even greater is that it is contagious. It connects us to those we love and even to the strangers across the table. What else in this world can do that? What else has the power to bring light into darkness, to bring inspiration to the hopeless, to remind our old minds of a youth that was once filled with it?
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Although a joke here and there is great to hear, laughter isn’t just a quick relief from life’s doldrums. It is actually quite therapeutic and has many short and long-term benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits that can come from laughter.
- Triggers endorphins – Endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. They help to relieve pain, induce feelings of pleasure or euphoria, and give a sense of overall well-being by curbing anxiety, worry, fear, and stress.
- Stimulates organs – Laughter has a great effect on the body’s heart, lungs, and muscles. It enhances the intake of oxygen, increases circulation and blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and improves blood vessel function.
- Relaxes the body – A good laugh session can leave your muscles relaxed and can aid in circulation, both of which can lead to less stress and physical tension.
- Boosts Immune System - Laughter improves the body’s resistance to diseases by increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies while simultaneously decreasing stress hormones. It also brushes away some of the negative thoughts you may be having and replaces them with a positive outlook which is always better for your overall health.
- Improves moods – Laughter can improve a person’s mental well-being by lessening depression and anxiety. It offers an easy way to connect with others, which is paramount to combating loneliness.
Laughter is a universal language, so go ahead and give it a try with those around you. The benefits of doing so can be far-reaching and long-lasting and may very well be the most fun way of improving your health and changing your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dallas, Tex.
