Why Laughter is the best Medicine | Healthy Living in Body and Mind

I’m sure you are no stranger to the old adage “Laughter is the best medicine”. But have you ever really thought about what it means or just how accurate of a sentiment that it actually is?

When you laugh, and I mean really laugh, from that happy place deep within you, don’t you feel better? Spending the day with that friend or family member that makes you laugh until you can’t breath, is probably the kind of day that sticks in your memory and heart forever. When you are having a bad day and you watch something funny on television, don’t you feel like you are just a little bit lighter when it’s over? What about that joke book you got for Christmas as a child? Maybe it’s time to break it out and revive your childhood stand up routine. Sometimes laughing at yourself when no one else is around is the best kind of laughter.

10 reasons why laughter is the best medicine:

1. Promotes Positivity

When we laugh it puts our mind at ease and sets a positive tone for our overall mood and outlook on life. Emotions like stress, negativity, anger and sadness are pushed to the side when we laugh. Wouldn’t you rather live in a state of laughter, that a state of anger? I know I would.

2. Boosts the Immune System

When we laugh our stress hormones are decreased. We take in more oxygen and in turn that improves our circulation. When we release negativity, our immune system gets a natural boost that keeps us healthier. Plus, happy people have a better outlook and better equipped to fight through illness. Here is an amazing book I recommend on how our emotions can effect our health, our organs and every system in the body.

3. Great for Emotional and Mental health

Laughter is a natural stress reliever. Stress is the new silent killer. Right along with sitting and smoking. Laughter naturally elevates your mood. It helps to relieve fear and sadness. Laughter makes it possible to worry less and find more joy in every day life. It helps us find balance and a sense of peace, even in times of struggle. All of these things combined lead down a road to emotional wellness. If you are feeling mentally exhausted, check out these 40 Tips to Reinvigorate Your Life.

4. Boosts Confidence

When we laugh and make others laugh in return, its an instant and unintentional confidence booster. Have you ever said something really funny and the room erupted in laughter and you had that brief moment where you felt on top of the world? Thanks laughter!

5. Provides Natural Energy

Laughter tells our brain, lungs and heart to “wake up”. Next time you feel tired or lethargic, turn on your favorite comedy and get in a good laugh.

6. Enhances Relationships

Statistics show men and women are more drawn to a partner that can make them laugh. Couples who have a shared need for laughter have a stronger relationship and are able to fight through rough times easier. Friendships are also greatly improved by laughter. It brings a sense of positivity and overall joy to the relationship. By nature, we are more drawn to people that are happy. Let’s face it, happier people are just more fun to be around. Laughter is contagious and elevates the moods of those around you. When we laugh with others it creates memories that are more vivid. Families that are grounded in laughter remain closer through the years. They tend to stay more connected and bonded. 8 Habits of Healthy Couples

7. Aids in Hormonal Balance

Laughter helps to balance and regulate hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine.It also helps to boost endorphins. Balanced hormones improve our immune system and help to combat the effects of stress.