Laughter
Laughing feels great, but did you know that it can actually improve your health? Below listed are a few powerful benefits of laughter.
Social benefits
Laughter brings people together. We’ve seen that happen time and time again in movies and even in our personal lives. Laughter can strengthen relationships by triggering positive feelings and fostering emotional connection.
Laughter is also a good way to diffuse a conflict because once someone starts laughing, it’s very difficult to stay mad. Be mindful, however, that making a joke during a serious time can be quite tricky, so be sure to use your best judgment and never laugh at someone else’s expense.
Physical Health Benefits
In an article written by mayoclinic.org titled “Stress Management”, laughter can actually induce physical changes in your body. According to the article, laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain. It also states that laughter can stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation… both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress. Laughter can even protect your heart by improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow. This can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Mental Health Benefits
Laughter releases endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals that promote a sense of well-being and relieve stress. Also, when we laugh, our cortisol level decreases (Cortisol is known as the stress hormone). Laughing can also change your perspective by helping you to see things in a new, less scary way and by helping you to take things less seriously.
Laughter isn’t just a quick pick-me-up thing. There are many long-term effects of laughter such as an improvement in your immune system. Choosing to think positively can release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
Laughter is amazing and the best part is that it’s free! Laughter makes you a better person. So the next time you’re feeling down, turn on a sitcom or some stand-up comedy. If you’re constantly experiencing sadness, check out some joke books or find a few funny signs and decorations to put around your house or office desk to make you chuckle. Find a way to laugh about your own situations and very shortly, you’ll feel the worry begin to fade.
At CWC Coaching, our team consists of licensed therapists, life coaches, and counselors. We assist clients with self-improvement, career development, negative self-talk, psychological pain, self-sabotaging behavior, past hurts and finding your purpose. If you are ready to increase your self-awareness and happiness, breakthrough limiting behavior and understand your purpose in life, we’d love to help guide you on this journey.
