Laughter is Healthy? 3 Really Good Reasons to Laugh Everyday!
You’ve probably heard the saying ‘laughter is the best medicine’ 100 or 1000 times, but don’t let the familiarity with that statement cause you to just file it in the background noise of your life.Laughter Is Healthy
It’s for that reason we’re going to talk about 3 Really Good reasons to laugh everyday!
Now it probably goes without saying that you’re seriously enjoying something if you’re laughing, but there really is a lot of stuff going on in the midst of laughing that supports your good health.
And just think about the possibilities of the impact you might have on someone else through your laughter.
Reason 1 – The Science of Laughter
There has actually been quite a bit of research on the effects of laughter, humor, and related benefits that are triggered in the brain and move you toward feelings of wellbeing and pleasure. Just two that you might find interesting are a:
- 2001 study showing that laughter can improve immune system function up to a 12-hour period
- 2013 study showing that laughter can decrease stress and cortisol levels and aid in
- 2011 study showing the impact of laughter on postpartum fatigue
A good laugh and it’s effects have been researched in relation to pain, depression, resilience, heart health, immunity, stress and benefits in all of those areas (and more) have been realized including:
- lowered blood pressure
- strengthened coping skills
- lowered tension and stress
- reduced risk of heart attack and stroke
- improved pleasure and mood
- better blood flow and oxygenation
- increased pain regulation
Reason 2 – The Impact of Healthy Laughter
With just that little bit of information, you can definitely see that there are benefits to incorporating laughter into your day.
Notice what makes you giggle and guffaw. Start seeing the little things around you, the sometimes seemingly insignificant things, and take a moment to appreciate, laugh, and maybe even share.
As a mom, spouse, parent, adult child, coworker, shopper and more, I imagine you also have opportunities to share laughter with others. I know I have some Hilarious competitive conversations with my 88-year-old mom during our card games and hair styling too.
I’m sure you’ve heard variations of the statement “laughter is contagious”. I don’t know where that statement originated, but it’s certainly true.
So while you’re improving your health through genuine laughter, share the opportunity with others.
Avoid a laugh at the expense of others always, but you never know how you might lighten someone’s load, lift someone’s spirit, by sharing a smile and a laugh.
Reason 3 – The Ease of Laughter
One thing that’s a Definite perk of choosing to incorporate laughter into your health routine is that it’s FREE!!!
Okay. Seriously. Think about that one for just a minute!
This is one of those health choices you can add to your daily routine today, without spending money or adding anything to your schedule, that can start making a difference immediately. Just a few ideas include:
- pausing a moment to appreciate and laugh at your crazy dog’s antics (definitely a laugh opportunity in our house)
- enjoying some friendly kidding around with your spouse and kids (Warning: may include silly puns and pitiful jokes)
- noticing and having a laugh when you have those crazy experiences throughout each day (like me balancing a laundry basket and catching a falling sock between my toes)
Avoid laughing at the expense of others but definitely enjoy having fun and consider adding opportunities for fun and laughter.
Don’t laugh. Well okay laugh, but here are a few ideas that we’ve enjoyed:
- pun conversations
- Nerf gun challenges (be sure to get extra darts)
- funny movie and Youtube videos
- badmitton challenges (hilarious for us since we aren’t very good)
- games (we love Rummikub, Settlers of Catan, Farkle, Catchphrase and 7 Wonders is on the table right now)
- creative play with kids
For a few more health-supporting suggestions, be sure to check out:
It often seems that there are so many opportunities in our everyday lives that can bring out a giggle, but we can get busy rushing from one responsibility to the next that those giggles get squeezed out.
Don’t let them!
Don’t miss those opportunities!
