Laughter Really is Good Medicine

You have probably heard the phrase, "laughter is the best medicine." There is actual truth to it, and you can find information on the physical and medical health benefits that it provides. Laughter releases endorphins which is your body's feel-good chemical. It is great to have a substance-free way of creating such a happy feeling. You might want to think back to the last time you laughed so hard that you almost cried. Chances are you have a fun memory that goes along with that laugh, and you felt good after you experienced it. You are able to find humor in everyday experiences, movies, television programs, and comedy shows at places like the Laugh Factory. You want to work to make sure you include some comedy in your life, and take advantage of the health benefits that the getting the giggles will give you.

Health Benefits of Laughter

1. When you are laughing you actually reduce the level of stress hormones in your body. Not only can this make you feel better, but by lowering your stress levels you may increase the performance of your immune system. It's great to think that a joke can make you feel more at ease and increase your health.
2. Laughing can help lower your blood pressure! This is critical because it can help you to reduce your risk for heart attacks and strokes. With that said, you may want to grab your favorite comedy and watch a great movie.
3. So this is a fun one to think about: laughing can help to tone your abs! When you laugh, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, just like when you are intentionally exercising. It won't totally give you a six pack, but it will help and can be pretty enjoyable.
4. You can also get a cardio workout when you laugh. There are people who are unable to do a lot of physical activity because of illness or injuries and that limits their ability to get their heart pumping. Laughter does get your heart pumping in a way similar to a slow to moderately paced walk. It is one way to improve your cardiac health.
5. You will also trigger the release of endorphins when you laugh. These are your body's natural pain killers. That is why you may feel better after a good laugh, even if you don't have a specific level of pain that you are dealing with.
6. T-cells are special immune system cells in your body that are just waiting to be activated. Laughing will boost these specific cells, which will immediately get to work to fight off any sickness you have or feel coming on. Again, this can have a positive impact on you.
7. A positive attitude has been found to increase a person's overall health. If you are happy, you tend to fight disease better than someone who is negative and down. You will increase your sense of well-being when you are laughing and finding the humor in everyday situations. In essence, if you smile and laugh, you may live longer.
8. Humor has also been found to improve creativity, memory, and alertness. Within just a second of hearing something funny there are electrical waves that move through your brain. You are stimulating areas that can help you learn better and apply creative thoughts. All of that, and you are having fun while doing it.

Needless to say there are some great benefits to enjoying a good laugh besides the relationships and memories that you are experiencing and building. It is a good idea to incorporate activities into your daily routine that will add to this positive feeling. Check out the Laugh Factory and other comedy clubs in your area. Go enjoy a show and get your laugh on!

Source : articlesbase.com