Why Laughter Is the Secret to a Long and Healthy Life
There is no question that laughter is a strong type of medicine. It will draw people together in a manner that helps to trigger healthy emotional and physical changes in a person’s body. Laughter helps to strengthen a person’s immune system, diminish pain, boost mood, and protect from the potentially damaging impact of stress. In fact, there is nothing that will work faster or more dependably to restore balance than having a good laugh.
This is one of the reasons laughter is so important for individuals living in a Retirement Community and similar locations. Keep reading to learn more about laughter and the many benefits it offers.
Relax the Entire Body
A good and hearty laugh is beneficial for many reasons. It can help to relieve physical tension along with stress. Laughing can also help the muscles remain relaxed for about 45 minutes after it happens.
Boost the Immune System
Laughter helps to reduce stress hormones while increasing immune cells. It can also help to aid infection-fighting antibodies. In the long run, this may help improve a person’s resistance to different diseases.
Endorphin Release
Endorphins are the natural, feel-good chemicals in the body. They promote a sense of well-being and can help to relieve pain for a short amount of time.
Heart Protection
Laughing is going to help improve the function of the blood vessels in the body and increase overall blood flow. This provides protection against a heart attack along with other types of cardiovascular issues.
Burn Calories
While laughing cannot replace going to the gym or working out, when someone laughs for about 10 to 15 minutes a day, they can burn around 40 calories. This would be enough to lose the equivalent of about three or four pounds during a year.
Lighten the Load of Anger
There is nothing that can help diffuse conflict and anger faster than sharing a laugh with someone. Looking at what is funny about a situation can put many issues and problems into perspective. It will also help individuals avoid or move on from a confrontation. It will also help reduce cases of resentment and bitterness.
Live Longer
According to a study in Norway, individuals who have a strong sense of humor tended to outlive those who did not seem to laugh as much. This difference is especially notable for individuals who were fighting cancer.
Benefits of Laughter for Mental Health
Laughter is something that helps people feel good. This is a positive feeling that remains with someone even after the laughter subsides. With humor, someone can maintain an optimistic and positive outlook on life even through more difficult situations, losses, or disappointments.
Along with being a respite from pain and sadness, laughter provides a person with the strength and courage to find new and meaningful feelings of hope. Even in difficult times, when someone can laugh, it can make them feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Biggest Benefits Offered by Laughter
As anyone can see, laughter offers more than a few benefits. Keep the information here in mind to see why trying to laugh more may result in someone having a happier and even healthier life. In the long run, the people who laugh more may even live longer, which is why it is a good idea to try it.
