“Laughing is, and will always be, the best form of therapy.” Dau Voire
Did you know that adults laugh about 15 – 30 times per day and babies, around 300 times?
The benefits of laughter extend to all parts of our lives, including the physical and emotional sides. Many online studies prove that the more we laugh, the healthier we can be. More than just a physical reaction, laughing triggers a range of responses in our bodies from stimulating multiple regions of the brain.
How it changes you physically
Apart from the ability to boost our immune levels, the physical benefits of laughter extend to lowered physical stress levels, decreased pain levels and it can even prevent heart disease. A hearty laugh is also proven to relax us for up to 45-minutes and releases the human growth hormone (hGH) which is vital for growth, cell regeneration, and cell reproduction. Furthering these benefits, a study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humour outlived those who didn’t laugh much.
Makes you feel better
Laughing makes us feel good on the inside and brings a host of other positive emotional benefits. According to studies published by the California University Hospital, there is a profound impact on mental health from laughter. Triggering the response of endorphins and controlling levels of serotonin which promotes an overall sense of well-being, laughter also helps decrease levels of stress and anger in various situations. The emotion also helps us release other intense emotions, such as grief.
Social situations
Laughing with your loved ones has the ability to create bonds and strengthen the relationships you have with them. Studies have also indicated that laughter can improve communication, make you more approachable and release inhibitions in social situations.
It is clear from the abundance of research on these benefits that everyone should laugh more than a few times in a day. Be sure to spend time with those that make you happy.
