Laughter is the Best Medicine

There are not many things in life that feel better than a good laugh. While it’s no secret that laughter feels good, many of us don’t know the full extent of the physical and mental benefits it can bring, both in the short term and long term.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are both short-term and long-term benefits to laughter. One short-term benefit is that laughter stimulates different organs. It increases the intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates the heart, lungs and muscles, and increases endorphins. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation for up to 45 minutes, helping reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

The long-term benefits of laughter include an improved immune system, pain relief and increased personal satisfaction through connecting with others. It can also improve mood by decreasing stress, lessening symptoms of depression and anxiety and increasing self-esteem.

Cultivating laughter in one’s life will look different for everyone, depending on individual sense of humor. There are many ways to bring more laughter into your life. One method is laughter therapy or laughter yoga. These practices use humor to help relieve pain and stress, as well as improve overall well-being. Laughter therapy was created by Dr. Madan Kataria, who discovered that our brains are unable to tell the difference between fake and real laughs. Because of this, it’s even possible for fake laughter to turn into real laughter.

Here are some simple ways to bring more laughter into your life:

• Hang up funny greeting cards, photos or jokes around your home or office as simple reminders to laugh
• Watch a funny movie, TV show, comedy video or listen to a comedy podcast
• Spend time with friends and family who make you laugh
• Go to a comedy club
• Share a good joke or funny story

Whether you need a good laugh or just want to release some feel-good brain chemicals, try one of these methods to laugh more. Always remember, “Laughter will not add years to your life, but it will add life to your years.”

By: Megan DiPietro