7 Ways Laughter Improves Our Health

We all LOVE a good laugh! But did know that laughter is really good for your health?

It is! Researchers Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan at the Loma Linda University in California researched laughter to find out HOW good laughter is for us.

1. LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE

When you lower your blood pressure you reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack.

2. REDUCES STRESS HORMONE LEVELS

When you reduce your stress hormones  you reduce the anxiety and stress that impacts your body.

3. WORKS YOUR ABS

One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone your abs. When you are laughing, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to when you intentionally exercise your abs. Meanwhile, the muscles you are not using to laugh are getting an opportunity to relax.

4. IMPROVES CARDIAC HEALTH

Laughter is a great cardio workout, especially for those who can’t do  other physical activity due to injury or illness. It gets your heart pumping and burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace. So, laugh your heart into health.

5. BOOSTS T-CELLS

T-cells are specialized immune system cells just waiting in your body for activation. When you laugh, you activate T-cells that immediately begin to help you fight off sickness. Next time you feel a cold coming on, add chuckling to your illness prevention plan.

6. TRIGGERS THE RELEASE OF ENDORPHINS

Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. By laughing, you can release endorphins, which can help ease chronic pain and make you feel good all over.

7. PRODUCES A GENERAL SENSE OF WELL-BEING

Laughter can increase your overall sense of well-being. Doctors have found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight diseases better than people who tend to be more negative. So smile, laugh, and live longer!

How can you find ways to laugh more?

• Listen to stand up comedy on your way to work and back
• Watch comedy on Netflix
• Share jokes with your friends and family

What about you? Share with me in the comments below!