Why Laughing is Good For You

Everyone knows that laughter makes you feel good and puts you in high spirits, but did
you also know that laughter actually causes physiological responses that protect the
body from disease and help your vital organs repair themselves? A good laugh can be
compared to a mild workout, as it exercises the muscles, gets the blood flowing,
decreases blood pressure and stress hormones, improves sleep patterns and boosts
the immune system. Furthermore, a study by the John Hopkins University Medical
School showed that humor and laughter can also improve memory and mental
performance. Yet despite the fact that laughter has so many benefits, far too many of
us forget to even crack a smile every once in a while, let alone laugh. Why do we take
life so seriously?

The following are some ways to incorporate more laughter and joy in your life:

1. Find the humor in a bad situation: allow yourself to laugh over the things you can’t
control. By allowing yourself to laugh you can release endorphins which can help ease
chronic pain and make you feel good all over.

2. Remind yourself of funny moments from the past: think of a time you laughed so
hard your cheeks hurt, maybe it was something you saw in a funny movie or witnessed
a friend do or say. Recalling this memories frequently can cause your endorphins to kick
in and act as mood boosters and decrease the amount of cortisol your body produces
due to stress.

3. Surround yourself with fun people who like to laugh a lot: Find the positive people
in your life who aren’t afraid to laugh. Laughing is contagious and heals the soul. Find
laughter and joy in everyday moments. Find the irony in a tough situation.

If you can find a reason to laugh every day, you’ll find that your mood will improve,
your relationships with those around you will seem more meaningful and effortless, and
life’s hurdles won’t seem so troublesome. There are so many benefits to a good belly
laugh: Improves cardiac health, lowers blood pressure, works your abs, boosts T -cells
and produces a general sense of well being. Moreover, your body, mind and soul will
thank you for the good ole belly laugh by rewarding you with an abundance of
happiness and joy. When is the last time you had a really good laugh?