It was noted in a national study several years ago that if the average person experiences a good, hearty laugh daily, their life expectancy increases while making them look on average 5-7 years younger than they actually are. Who doesn’t want both of those things?
Here are some of the other physical benefits one can experience from laughing, and having a good sense of humor.
- Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
- Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
- Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
- Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
- Laughter eases anxiety, fear and stress – nothing helps ground you quicker than a good friend pointing out how you just might be over-reacting and then helping you laugh at the silliness of it all. Laughing helps clear your head and see the situation with a different set of eyes.
Deal with your stress– don’t avoid it. Stress is a major impediment to humor and laughter. Incorporating a healthy sense of humor along with good diet and regular exercise can do wonders for a persons personal outlook not only on life, but on their life expectancy. When all else fails, pay attention to the children in your life and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing.
