Laughter is the Best Medicine

We all enjoy a good laugh.  It literally changes the tone of the moment in a split second and instantly activates a stress relief response.  These days we certainly need something to laugh about.  According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter can be just what the doctor ordered.  There are many benefits to a good roaring time, like actually inducing physical changes in your body.

Laughter can:

• Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
• Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
• Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

Aside from this quick fix there are also long term effects if laughter is a part of your daily life.  Long term effects can be beneficial to your health and longevity.

Laughter benefits:

• Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
• Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
• Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
• Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your stress, depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your self-esteem.

(source:  Mayo Clinic:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456)

What you watch, listen to and read affects your mood, thoughts and behavior.  Beware of tv and social media on a daily basis.  We all need a detox from doom scrolling or binge watching violent shows that affect our thoughts not just in our waking hours but also affect our ability to get a good night’s sleep.  Feel good shows help increase our positivity and mood and allow us that much needed release.

How do you add happiness and laughter in your life?  We all have a funny friend, partner or relative we can connect with.  It’s amazing how great we can feel after a long call with that hilarious buddy or uncle.  You are smiling, crying, breathing extensively, giving your abs a workout and completely changing your entire demeanor.  Secondly, stop watching violent or depressing shows on Netflix.  When you watch too many crime shows, Netflix sends you more crime shows then it becomes a vicious cycle.  Look for uplifting, inspirational stories, educational documentaries or comedies that leave you feeling happy, enlightened or inspired afterwards. 

These days it’s more important than ever to step back and understand what you allow in your life.  Whether it’s cutting ties with negative people, taking a break and going for a fresh air walk or calling that friend that makes you laugh until you cry, understand that you hold the remote control of your life.  Use it wisely.