We learn at a young age laughter is good. Laughter comes in many forms from soft giggles to full belly bursts that roll like thunder. What makes one person laugh doesn’t always tickle the funny bone of another. However, be warned, its almost impossible not to laugh at some point when puppies and kittens are around.
Have you ever wondered why you feel good when you laugh? Laughter is often referred to as the “best medicine”. Laughter can decrease stress, increase oxygen to your heart, lungs and muscles, and improve your overall mood. If that isn’t enough to convince you to find more ways to turn a frown upside down, then consider these additional benefits the art of laughter provides:
Laughter can help provide Pain Relief:
Laughter may relieve pain by causing the body to produce its own natural pain killers.
Laughter can help you Live Longer:
Studies indicate that people with a good sense of humor and laugh often actual live longer on average than those who do not and have stronger immune systems overall.
Increased sense of well-being: Laughter Releases Dopamine:
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that has a direct impact on our overall feeling of happiness.
Laughter Can Lower Blood Sugar:
A study in Japan found that laughter lowered blood sugar levels in patients with Type II Diabetes
If you are on the shy side and laughter has been difficult for you in the past, and would like an idea on where to start, consider trying laughter yoga.
Watching funny video clips, reading humorous jokes, or just seeking out those things that make you smile are some additional ways to increase the laughter levels in your life. Be warned: Laughter is contagious! Please pass it on!