"Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far
more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it
binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also
triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen
your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the
damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free,
and easy to use
Laughter is strong medicine for mind
and body
Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and
conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body
back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires
hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.
With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh
easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems,
enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.
“Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you
have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good
health.”
~ Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D.
Laughter is good for your health
·
Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty
laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up
to 45 minutes after.
·
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter
decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting
antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
·
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the
body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of
well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
·
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves
the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect
you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Laughter and humor help you stay
emotionally healthy
Laughter makes you feel good. And the good feeling that you
get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor
helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations,
disappointments, and loss.
More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter
gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope.
Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a
long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just
hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the
fun.
The link between laughter and mental
health
·
Laughter dissolves distressing emotions. You
can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing.
·
Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It
reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and
accomplish more.
·
Humor shifts perspective, allowing you to see
situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective
creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed……”
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last
updated: April 2014.
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