While having a good laugh can be an explicit show of pleasure and happiness, there are also diverse ways in which it can affect one’s body. According to research, laughter provides a full-scale work out for the muscles and unleashes a rush of stress-dispelling endorphins. And since our bodies cannot distinguish between real and fake laughter, anything that makes you laugh will have a positive impact.
Even more, laughter can increase your overall sense of well-being. Recent studies have shown that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight diseases better that people with negative ones. Read on to find out ways in which laughter affects the body.
1. Laughing Lowers blood pressure
Studies have proven that people who lower their blood pressure, will reduce their risk of strokes and heart attack. And since laughter can help you lower your blood pressure, what are you waiting for! Laugh until it becomes a lifestyle.
2. Reduces stress hormone levels
What better way to relive some of the day’s stress? More studies have shown that, when you laugh, you automatically reduce the level of stress hormones that your body produces. And to top it off, reduction of stress hormones in one’s body results in higher immune system performance.
3. Fun ab workout
What better fun way to have your abs toned? When you laugh, the muscles in your stomach area tend to expand and contract—essentially giving your abs a workout without the pain.
4. Improves cardiac health
Laughter is not just good for the abs, it is another form of cardio, as it gets your heart pumping and burns an almost equivalent amount of calories per hour, as walking at a slow to moderate pace. If you are incapable of performing physical activities due to one or more health issues, then laughter might be just what you need.
5. Laughter helps to boost T cells
Studies have proven that when we laugh, our bodies activate T cells that preemptively help us to fight sicknesses and diseases. Add laughter to your prevention plan for illnesses and you can be sure of reaping maximum benefits.
6. Triggers the release of endorphins
Laughter has been proven to aid in the release endorphins (natural pain killers), such that anytime we laugh, they are released in numerous quantities to fight off pain and helps us feel good again.