Knock knock. Who's there? Yah.
Yah who?
No thanks, I use Google and Duck Duck Go.
Well maybe that didn’t make you laugh but at least I tried.
Have you laughed today? Did you know that laughter is good for your health? How great is that?
For me, comedy is a great way to relieve stress and relax. Whether it’s a funny movie or just sitting around with friends telling funny stories. But, did you know that laughter doesn't just make you feel good? There are some real quantifiable health benefits.
According to the Mayo Clinic here are some of the benefits.
Short-term benefits
When you laugh, it doesn't just lighten your mental load, it actually induces physical changes in your body.
Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Long-term effects
Laughter isn't just a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long term.
Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.
