Are there health benefits of laughter? Studies prove that laughter has numerous health benefits. According to a clinical study, laughter proved to have positive effects on pain relief, stress-busting, and also increased immunity. This is exactly why laughing is said to be the best medicine.
However, according to a survey, healthy children may laugh approximately 400 times per day, but adults tend to laugh approximately 15 times a day.
Doctors believe that laughing can help you in numerous ways, boosting several body functions. In this article, you will read the different health benefits of laughter that will motivate you to spread smiles more often.
Health Benefits of Laughter
Here is the list of health benefits of laughter.
Fights Depression
It might sound silly but the best way to fight stress is to laugh. However, it is best to take help from funny videos or something humourous that can help elevate your mood.
According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicines, watching a funny program or being around people with a good sense of humor can help fight stress and depression. Psychologists believe 60-minute laughter therapy can boost a person’s mood, self-esteem, and overall health.
Relieves Pain
Doctors believe laughing can produce natural painkillers that can help relieve your pain. Scientifically, it is believed that it lowers cortisol hormone, a stress hormone and elevates serotonin hormone. According to a 2011 study, researchers from Oxford University observed that patients who laughed felt less pain. The study concluded that laughter without positive emotions aids pain relief.
Laughter Reduces Blood Pressure
According to a study, the researchers found positive effects of laughter on blood pressure and blood flow. The researchers saw a reduction in blood pressure and an improvement in blood circulation in the body. Another study found that laughing can improve blood circulation in arteries and reduce the risk of heart diseases. One study found that watching depressing or sad programs can be harmful to the blood vessels while watching humorous programs can improve the dilation of arteries.
Easy Workout
Doctors believe laughing is the best workout as it can help burn calories. A study proves that laughing for 12 to 15 minutes can burn up to 50 calories. Also, the study proves laughing can help stomach muscles to expand and contract. Another study showed how laughter can be beneficial for shoulders, heart, and diaphragm.
According to the 2014 study in the International Journal of Obesity, laughter can burn calories. However, it would really be effective if you hit the gym along with using laughter therapy to burn calories.
Manage Stress
Laughter is the best stress management activity that reduces stress levels and boosts moods. Health experts believe laughter can relieve stress by cooling down your stress responses. Some studies prove that laughter not only helps relieve stress but also protects from life-threatening disorders like depression. As per a 2008 study, participants experienced a reduction in three stress hormones like dopac, cortisol, and epinephrine when anticipated in laughter.
Laughter Boosts Immune System
Some studies show that laughing can help boost immune cells by increasing the number of infection-fighting antibiotics in the body. The study also found that laughing motivates positive thoughts and feelings that release neuropeptides that can fight stress and illness. Another study showed how laughter releases healthy hormones that boost your immune system and relieve anxiety.
Improves Cardiovascular System
As per a 2009 study in Medical Hypothesis, the study found powerful benefits to the heart and cardiovascular health from laughter. According to the American Heart Association, laughter can promote artery inflammation and produce HDL or good cholesterol excessively that improves heart functioning and the overall cardiovascular system.
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