They say that laughter is the best medicine. This old saying does have some merit as more and more studies are showing that laughter is an essential ingredient for good health.
Whether it is just a little giggle or a down deep belly laugh complete with tears, a good laugh helps us deal with stress, hide our embarrassment, cope with loss, and calm our fears. There are also physical responses from laughter. The body relaxes, blood pressure lowers. Laughter increases the oxygen in the blood that speeds up the healing process. Laughter also produces a disease fighting proteins in the form of T-cells, B-cells and Gamma Interferon.
Laughter And Mental Health
When it comes to your mental health, laughter produces endorphins. But there are some other positive responses to laughter when it comes to your mental health:
Laughter helps us to connect with others.
Releases negative emotions such as anger, fear, sadness and depression.
Stress is reduced when laughing.
Releases the “feel good” endorphins in the brain.
Energy increases when a person laughs.
Has been known to ease anxiety.
Cortisone the “stress hormone” is reduced when we laugh.
Laughter And Your Physical Health
Laughter is great to help heal your physical issues and also can enhance your physical well being. The following are just some of the physical benefits to laughing.
Lower Blood Pressure: Laughter lowers blood pressure. Lower blood pressure is a deterrent to strokes and heart attacks.
Reduce Stress Hormones: Laughter reduces stress hormones. Lowered stress hormones increase the immune system performance. So you reduce stress and increase your immune system with a good laugh.
Boosts T Cells: T-cells are immune system cells that lie dormant in the body until activated to help you fight off sickness. Next time you feel a cold coming on, remember that laughing will boost those flu fighting T-cells.
Improves Cardiac Health: Laughter gets your heart pumping and burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace. It also works your abs since laughing causes your stomach muscles to expand and contract.
Increase Laughter And Increase Health
Researchers continue to demonstrate that laughter can reduce pain levels, improve physical and mental health and help people live longer. The problem is that many of us do not get enough laughter every day. So what can we do to increase the laughter in our life?
Whatever makes you laugh, do it more often. Watching your favorite comedian or a funny movie or just playing with you children. Whatever it is, enjoy.
Surround yourself with people who are upbeat and joyful. People who laugh a lot will have you laughing more as laughter is contagious.
Do not take yourself or life for that matter so seriously. Give yourself permission to find the humor in your mistakes, tough situations, or minor frustrations.
Focus more on the positives in your life. A sense of gratitude is also uplifting.
Lastly, keep in mind that happiness is a choice. Laugh often and loud. It is always your choice.
Many people do not see the connection between a healthy mind, body and spirit. Taking care of your body will affect you mentally and spiritually. A good laugh will go a long way in healing a broken mind or spirit. At Olympic Chiropractic in Los Angeles, we take a holistic approach to healing. We understand the connection between healthy minds and healthy bodies. We won’t just treat your pain, we’ll help you find ways to prevent and reduce pain. Give us a call today at our Los Angeles office to learn more!