One of the simplest pleasures in life is laughing so hard, your stomach begins to hurt. It’s one of those feel-good moments that you never want to end. And there are a few health benefits to this type of laughter, both for our physical health and our mental health. Read below to discover the reasons why laughter is so beneficial for us.
It supports brain health:
Think of laughter as exercise for the brain. It increases oxygen intake in the brain, improves cognitive function, and increases endorphin flow which reduces stress levels. Who knew laughing could physically improve our brain function?
It’s a form of stress relief:
We can all remember having a bad day or two. Whether it’s stress, pain, or just one of those days, laughing can decrease the intensity of these negative feelings. The chemical released in the brain when laughing challenges stress chemicals, enabling you to be more at peace with your mind, even on those bad days. Next time you’re feeling down, throw on your favourite comedy film and notice how your mood changes.
It aids immune health:
Laughter increases the number of fighting antibodies and immune cells in our bodies. Especially after the long, cold winter months when our bodies are constantly fighting off illness, laughter boosts the immune system, making us feel more lively and healthy.
It helps reduce pain:
Laughing releases natural pain killers throughout the body, allowing you to experience a sense of relief and comfort when feeling stressed or upset. Studies show that laughter doesn’t only increase your mood, it also physically relieves pain. While laughing seems a difficult task when feeling under the weather, sometimes it’s exactly what we need to feel better.
