After doing some research and coming across quite a few
interesting websites, I think it’s safe to say that I did some giggling while
attempting to decide what to write about.
I’ll link those below, but on a more serious note, laughing has been
found to be beneficial not only mentally but physically as well.
It seems that
the biggest health improvement is a boost in our immune systems. This means there is an increase in
antibody producing T-cells, the ones that fight infection, resulting in less
coughs, colds, and stress hormone production. This makes us more resistant to disease as well as more
relaxed for up to 45 minutes after the giggle-sesh is over.
The second most common result I found was the release of
endorphins, our body’s natural feel good chemicals, which promote an overall
sense of well-being and acts on the brain similarly to morphine, thus relieving
or diminishing pain.
A good laugh-session can also help relieve symptoms of
depression and get you feeling like yourself again, though this should definitely
not be the sole step taken. Always
remember that it’s important to seek professional help. Even those suffering from SAD can be
positively affected by this simple task.
It reduces tension and stress along with lowering anxiety and irritation,
the main contributors of depression.
Other mental health connections include dissolving distressing emotions
such as anxiety, anger or sadness, and increases energy.
Laughing can also protect your heart according to a study by
the University of Maryland, which discovered that people with diagnosed heart
disease were 40% less likely to laugh during a variety of situations compared
to people in the same age range without the disease. It improves the function of blood vessels and increases
blood flow throughout the body. A
good laugh has also been thought to PREVENT heart disease, heart attacks, and
other cardiovascular problems.
Fifteen minutes a day is equally as important as getting in a minimum of
3 workouts a week. Also related is
the idea that laughter lowers your blood pressure and forces you to breathe
deeper, sending oxygen-rich blood and nutrients throughout the body. It’s especially helpful for people with
asthma as it empties the lungs of a larger air volume, cleansing the lungs in a
way similar to deep breathing.
A recent study shows that giggling could also help you find
the right mate. “Men love women
who laugh in their presence and women actually laugh 125% more than men,” says
Rob Mansfield of Laughter Yoga International. If you’re already in a relationship then laughter can help
maintain a strong connection.
On a more silly note, I also came across some articles
claiming that laughter is considered to be a mini-workout and can aid in weight
loss. They mean that we’re
exercising our diaphragm, the muscle below our lungs, along with our abdominal
muscles and possibly shoulders.
They’ve found that laughing 100 times is about equal to 10 minutes of
weight lifting or rowing and 15 minutes of biking. We burn calories by raising our heart rate and also
increasing our metabolism. So
remember, KEEP LAUGHING!
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