(and the impacts of)

Laughter is more than just a reaction to something funny; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your well-being and improving your overall quality of life. The benefits of laughter span across physical, mental, and emotional health as well as into our relationships.

Studies have shown the following health benefits: 

Physical

• Pain relief

Endorphins released by laughter can relieve physical pain for up to two hours, increase pain tolerance, and improve pain management.

• Improved heart health

Laughter can increase blood flow and oxygen in the body, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. A good laugh can have similar effects on the body as jogging, increasing your heart rate and then decreasing it again. It essentially provides a workout for the heart and circulatory system without any of the physical strain.

• Better immune system

Laughter can activate immune cells and antibodies that help fight infection, and can also activate T-cells, which are specialized cells that help fight sickness and enhance the body’s ability to ward off illnesses and infections.

Mental

• Stress reduction

Laughter can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, while increasing serotonin, a “happy hormone”. This can help you feel more relaxed and promote a positive mood. 

• Improved mood and satisfaction

Endorphins can promote a sense of well-being and happiness. It can also help combat feelings of depression and anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood.

• Improves learning and creative thinking

Laughter encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. It helps stimulate mental functioning and can make it easier to overcome challenges by offering a fresh perspective and reducing mental rigidity.

• Improves social connectivity

Sharing a laugh with others can strengthen social bonds and improve interpersonal relationships. It creates a sense of camaraderie and helps build trust and empathy among people.

Social

• Strengthening Relationships

Laughter can act as a social glue, bringing people together and fostering a sense of unity. It breaks down barriers and helps ease social interactions, making it easier to form and maintain friendships.

• Improving Group Dynamics

In a team setting, laughter can improve collaboration and teamwork. It helps to reduce tension and create a more relaxed atmosphere, which can lead to more effective communication and better group cohesion.

• Enhancing Communication

Laughter can improve communication by creating a more relaxed environment where people feel more comfortable expressing themselves. It helps to diffuse awkwardness and facilitates open and honest conversations.

After reading some of the benefits, are you excited to get laughing? However, this may be easier said than done.  Especially if you’re in a laughter “dry spell” or are feeling a little extra sad, tired, overwhelmed.  Start small, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, take things one experience at a time.  And read on for some practical things you may want to try.

Practical Ways to Incorporate More Laughter into Your Life

1. Watch Comedy  – incorporate comedy shows, movies, or stand-up specials into your routine. Find what makes you laugh and make time for it regularly.
2. Socialize More  – spend time with friends and family who have a good sense of humor. Engaging in social activities and sharing jokes can lead to more laughter.
3. Engage in Playful Activities – participate in activities that promote joy and playfulness. Games, sports, and creative hobbies can all be sources of laughter.

Laughter is a simple yet profound way to improve your life. Its benefits touch every aspect of your being. By making laughter a regular part of your life, you can enjoy a multitude of positive effects, enhancing your overall quality of life and fostering deeper connections with those around you. So go ahead, laugh more—it’s good for you!

Each week we try to correlate these Blog Posts with our weekly newsletter.  In each you will also get a helpful Mindful Minute – this week, “Laugh.” If you haven’t yet, enter your first name, email and click “yes, please” in the black box within the main Blog Page of this website to have these drop into your inbox each week. 

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