Adding laughter to your life can boost health and healing, experts say

Laughter is truly the best medicine, as experts agree that humor and giggles can have a positive impact on mental, emotional, and physical health. Research shows that laughter can reduce stress, boost the immune system, and even help alleviate pain. It’s no wonder that finding ways to incorporate laughter into your daily routine can be an effective remedy for those experiencing stress, pain, or challenges to their immune system.

According to health experts, laughter activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body down and helps reverse the stress response. By decreasing the stress hormone cortisol, laughter can decrease inflammation, increase HDL (good cholesterol), and promote vasodilation, leading to improved blood flow and enhanced circulation. In addition, laughter releases endorphins, stimulates circulation, and relaxes muscles, which can help alleviate pain and even increase longevity.

In terms of mental health, laughter has been shown to reduce stress, increase feelings of reward and pleasure through the release of dopamine, and boost happiness and decrease depression and anxiety through the release of serotonin. Spending time with people who make you laugh or engaging in activities that bring you joy can help increase spontaneous laughter and improve social outreach.

Mayo Clinic lists a number of long-term benefits of laughter, including an immune system boost, improved outlook, and a lighter mood. Laughter can help lessen stress, depression, and anxiety, and may make you feel happier by boosting self-esteem.

To incorporate more humor into your life, experts recommend surrounding yourself with positive and funny people, watching or reading funny content, and engaging in activities that make you laugh, such as going to a comedy show or playing funny board games with friends and family. Laughter yoga, which focuses on breathing and simulating laughter, is also a great way to boost \”laughter therapy.\”

Overall, laughter is a free and effective way to improve both your physical and mental health. By prioritizing joy and finding ways to add more smiles and laughter to your daily routine, you can experience the many benefits that laughter has to offer.