Discover 8 benefits of laughter for physical and emotional health

Laughter May Be the Best Medicine You’ve probably heard someone say that “laughter is the best medicine.” After all, with a good laugh we can change our mood, relieve stress and even have a better day, many […]

Laughter can be the best medicine

You must have heard someone say that “laughter is the best medicine”. After all, with a good laugh we can change our mood, relieve stress and even have a better day, many times over. However, in a context of multitasking and juggling work and family routine, Brazilians end up harming their health. In the countryside, for example, 70% of the population has already experienced stress or characteristic symptoms. Thinking about it, in this article we will talk about the 8 main benefits of a good laugh for the body and for the emotionality. Want to know more? Follow the reading.

The importance of laughter in everyday life

The benefits of laughter can go far beyond a simple change in mood. According to studies by Fukushima Medical University in Japan, laughter makes a significant difference in an individual’s life. The researchers assembled a group of 230 members, mostly women and aged between 43 and 79 years. In this study, they tried to analyze various data regarding laughter in their daily life. After the initial public selection, it was split into two subgroups. One of them had the benefit of regularly participating in activities that encourage relaxation. Thus, this first group practiced yoga classes and attended meet-and-greets with a comedian. The second group, in turn, had no changes in their routine. The study lasted 3 months and achieved significant results. The first group, which benefited from it, showed a significant improvement in the physical and emotional part. Also as part of the data collected, there was an improvement in well-being and stress. Additionally, participants reported that they could see an improvement in optimism. In addition to these points raised, the scientists could still notice that there was a subtraction of body weight. It also affects the body mass index (BMI). The research authors published their findings in the journal BMC Geriatrics, known for hosting scientific studies. It is available on the National Library of Medicine website.

8 benefits of smiling for the body

As you have seen, laughter can have a significant impact on your daily life. But what are the main benefits it can bring? Discover 8 benefits on the effects a good laugh can have on your body, your mind and your relationships.

1. Improve your well-being

The act of smiling can reduce negative feelings like sadness and anger. It causes relaxation of the body and consequently relieves tension caused by stress. Moreover, there are hormonal reactions that confirm this statement. Laughing, for example, releases endorphins and serotonin, which directly affect an individual’s well-being.

2. Exercise the body

Our body is capable of exercising about 12 muscles during a smile. This number increases when laughter is activated, doubling the starting amount. In this sense, during a laugh it is possible to have movement of up to 80 muscles, including facial and body. When you laugh you can move to standing. Therefore, it serves to activate parts of your body that you didn’t even know about.

3. Stimulates the immune system

Laughter stimulates the production of immunoglobulins. It is responsible for protecting against infections affecting the respiratory system. In addition, the act also involves T lymphocytes. They act in the body’s defense against various forms of threats that may arise.

4. Lowers blood pressure

The act of smiling may be responsible for a decrease in blood pressure. A simple test can prove part of this theory. You can also try it at home. If you have a sphygmomanometer at home, measure your blood pressure regularly and record the result. After that, repeat the measurement, but this time smiling for one minute, and continue until the reading is complete. Once the two tests have been completed, compare the two results found. If you can get a genuine laugh during the second measurement, the chances of lowering your blood pressure are high.

5. Causes positive reactions in the heart

When laughing, blood flow increases considerably and the act protects against cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks. In this way, smiling can have a positive impact on the heart system.

6. Increased optimism

Working in parallel with the physical impacts of laughter on the human body, it can also promote relaxation. This happens because the act causes an increase in positive feelings. Taking everyday life situations lightly is a beneficial behavior. In this way it is possible to facilitate dealing with the specificities of daily life without harming health.

7. It works like a natural medicine

According to research by the English psychologist and anthropologist Robin Dunbar, laughter can be an ally in controlling pain. As you can see above, laughter releases endorphins, which are natural pain relievers made by the body. During the researcher’s study it was possible to verify that there was a 10% decrease in the painful sensations of the volunteers.

8. Acts against anxiety

Directly connected with substances related to the strengthening of the immune system, is the decrease of anxiety. This chemical effect on the body relieves tension and can be helpful in fighting restlessness. In addition to those already mentioned, other benefits can also be found, such as: muscle strengthening and physical exercise, improved sleep quality, creativity stimulation and even the possibility of more social interactions. But don’t think that spontaneous laughter is the only option to stimulate the benefits of the deed. Studies also show that even “forced” laughter, i.e. not resulting from a real stimulus, still provides stimulation to the body. Therefore, the simple act of smiling is related to positivity, well-being, health, longevity and, of course, enjoyment. Laughter should be used as a tool to ease everyday challenges. And you, did you smile today 😁?

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.