Laughter Is the Best Medicine
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It’s been an old wives’ saying forever, and now science backs it up with proof!
But do you need science to tell you what you already know deep inside?
Here’s what I learned …
“Just a few minutes of laughter a day can improve your health in more ways than you might realize,” explains Maria Heveran, a physician assistant at Geisinger’s Lewisburg clinic. *1
Dr. Heveran goes on to explain how laughter helps your body:
- It releases endorphins – the body’s natural happiness chemicals which attack pain and bad moods;
- It reduces stress – those good endorphins again. Unresolved stress is a proven killer, so don’t underestimate the importance of lessening it’s impact on your mind & body;
- Immune System Boost – there are hormones that can harm us too. Like cortisol, which is triggered in anger, frustration, and other challenging situations. Laughter is the best antidote for the onset of cortisol and other harmful chemical reactions we encounter.
- Blood Flow Increases – laughing forces you to breathe deeper. Which sends more oxygen to your lungs and organs through oxygen-enriched blood. This assists healthy cell growth, organs working more efficiently, and you feeling better.
- Relaxed muscles – by reducing tension in the body. A calmer presence makes for better health all around.
So, add laughter to your life!
Dr. Heveran provides a few easy ways to do just that. They include:
1) Watch a funny show, video, or comedy routine you enjoy. Do so often, if even for just a moment or few at a time;
2) Share a joke, pun, or meme with others. Have them share theirs’ with you.
3) Enjoy your pet(s). Nothing reduces stress and worry like caring for your pet. They show unconditional love and for many, are one of the best ways to find happiness & laughter.
4) Have a party! It’ll get you moving, involved with others, and create fun opportunities to laugh.
5) Connect with a friend. Someone who makes you laugh. Share funny memories, photos, and moments that bring smiles and laughter.
Perhaps the biggest way to incorporate laughter for your health is to adopt a positive attitude in general.
Any situation can be judged from the positive or negative perspective. And how you react, decides what happens to your body.
Negativity breeds those bad hormones and drags you down. Versus staying positive and optimistic, which helps you stay happy and healthy.
As Dr. Heveran suggests, “Instead of ruminating about a stressful situation or minor mistake, try creating a new habit of joking about it. Finding humor in life can help you see things in a different light and reduce your stress about the circumstance.”
So, laugh often and know you are doing yourself good when you do!
Until next time, stay Happy, Healthy, & Strong!
Mike from Great Senior Health