Laughter brings people together and positively affects their bodies and minds. Laughter has several positive health impacts, including a rise in the body’s natural defenses, an improvement in mood, reduced pain, and resistance to the negative outcomes of stress.
An article in the Journal of Neuroscience mentioned that laughing facilitates the release of endorphins into the brain through special receptors. This leads to a euphoria, similar to the feelings you get from narcotics without any detriment.
In addition, positive feelings and closeness between people can be created or restored through laughter. In fact, according to some experts, the main purpose of laughing is to unite people; the more socially active a person is, and the more social support they receive, the more probable it is that they will laugh as a result of their social connection.
Ways Laughter Can Improve Your Health
Can Replicate the Feeling of Exercising
Laughter is a wonderful kind of exercise that has similar effects on hormones as exercise. According to research conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center, laughing for 15 minutes causes a similar dilation of blood vessels as running, jogging, or some other form of cardiovascular exercise. The physiological responses resulting from laughing raise heart rate, improve blood flow to the muscles, and provide the same endorphin release as jogging.
Weight Loss
Those who laugh a lot burn more calories. According to research conducted at Vanderbilt University, laughing out loud at a single joke can expend as many as 40 calories. Learning to laugh every day may result in a reduction of three to four pounds within a year. Researchers have discovered that watching or listening to something funny causes a rise in both heart rate and oxygen levels, leading to increased fat burning and a quicker pulse.
Reduces Anger
Laughter is the fastest way to reduce tension in a group. Seeing things from a lighthearted point of view might help you see the humor in difficult situations and let go of lingering resentment or animosity.
Protects the Heart
Laughter boosts blood flow and enhances blood vessels’ health, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially heart attacks.