The power of laughter

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 increases your body “T cell” count which fights cancer
It increases your immune system fighters, the (Lymphocyte Blastogenesis) - it aids ventilation, and clears the mucus plugs and creates a rise in the oxygen nutrients.

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, . Laughter has a dramatic impact on the    (endophiliam) the lining of the blood vessels by 22%. It releases Nitric  Oxide (Not Nitris Oxide) which reduces clotting and inflammation while negativity or dramas close them down by a staggering 33% and releases cortisol, the stress chemical.

Laughter burns calories. OK, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

How to embrace laughter

Creating opportunities to laugh

• Watch a funny movie, TV show, or YouTube video
• Invite friends or co-workers out to a comedy club
• Read the funny pages
• Seek out people with a greatness of humour 
• Share a good joke or a funny story
• Check out your bookstore’s humour section
• Host game night with friends
• Make games out of things and be more playful, especially with children or with a pet
• Go to a “laughter yoga” cla
• Do something silly
• Make time for fun activities (e.g. bowling, miniature golfing, karaoke)
• Learn to laugh at yourself
• Learn to crack jokes about stressful situations rather than complaining.
• Keep stuff around you that lightens the mood. A toy on your desk or a funny poster in your room can become a daily reminder to not be so serious all of the time.

The link between laughter and mental health

Laughter stops 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.

Laughter 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 and diffuse conflict.

Laughter draws you closer to others, which can have a profound effect on all aspects of your mental and emotional health.