THE EFFECTS OF LAUGHTER ON HEALTH

a) ............................................................................................

Of course, it’s fun to share a good laugh. But did you know that it can actually improve your health? Laughter brings people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, lessens pain and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life seems to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. By seeking out more opportunities for humour and laughter, though, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness and even add years to your life.

b) ....................................................................................................

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, sincere laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system. It lessens stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. It also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

c) ....................................................................................................

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress and pain. Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hope and connects you to others. It also helps you to release anger and be more forgiving. Laughter protects the heart, improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. Besides, it burns calories. It doesn’t mean that it is the replacement of going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn about 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.

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

To sum up, laughter helps to surmount problems, enhance your relationships and support both physical and emotional health. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use.

Adapted from the Help Guide website