Why Laughter is Good for the Mind, Body and Soul

Laughter is a great way to relieve stress, but laughter also impacts our health and benefits us socially. Learning to laugh and look at life from a positive perspective helps attract positive people into your life. It also allows you to view problems from a different perspective and helps reduce your stress levels. When you can laugh, you can learn to be more spontaneous and release your inhibitions.

Health

Laughter decreases your stress hormones and increases your immune cells, meaning a good laugh will not only keep you happy, but also keeps you healthy. Laughter is also a good pain reliever. If you are feeling sore or have a stiff neck, laughter releases endorphin's that help relieve pain. It’s important to have some type of an exercise regimen to keep your heart healthy, but did you know that laughing improves the function of your blood vessels?

Mind

Laughing adds joy to your life. When you can embrace the joy around you can lessen the stress and anxiety in your life Laughter leads to happiness and helps provide a positive outlook even in times of stress.

We also attract what we send out. Surrounding yourself with good happy people, means they will influence your mood as well. The ability to laugh with others improves your emotional health and strengthens relationships.

Lighten Up

Humor helps shift your perspective and general outlook on life. Viewing situations from a humorous point of view creates a distance that prevents you from feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

When you can view life situations with a sense of humor and stress less, you will find that your energy level and motivation will increase. Learning to laugh at yourself helps create a positive perspective on situations. Lighten up on yourself and find the humor in embarrassing situations.

People Will Like You

Shared laughter is always the best kind of laughter. Brooding, stressing and projecting a constant negative dialog can make people around you anxious. We are naturally drawn and attracted to happy people that make us laugh. Learning to look at the positive side of situations also means you will naturally attract happy and positive people.

Creating Laughter

When you start to feel anxious or stressed, keep a list of friends that can make you laugh. Call them and tell them you need a break and you need to laugh. I have fun friends that I can count on when I need a good laugh. Recall a funny story with them.

Pets also help us relax and can create laughter. Play fetch with your dog or give your cat a catnip toy is a great way to relieve stress. 

Another good idea is to read the funny pages in the newspaper. Subscribe to a daily comic website or Facebook page.

Binge watch your favorite comedy TV show. 

Laughter and having a positive outlook will enhance your life and help you overcome daily challenges. Life struggles are often an opportunity to learn and using laughter and humor to problem solve helps you find creative solutions.