"Laughter is the best medicine" is a phrase that dates back to biblical times as an old Proverb and it's still widely used today all over the world. That's because it's true!
Let's take a look at what happens inside your body, mind and spirit when you laugh.
Laughter's Effect on Your Body
When you laugh, endorphins are released throughout your body, stimulating muscles, nerves, organs and tissues when you laugh.
Studies show these endorphins give relief to chronic pain, help to relieve stress and promote functioning of the immune system.
Laughter literally helps heal your body.
Laughter and Your Mind
Happy thoughts lead to a more positive outlook on life.
When you're hanging out with friends and having good conversation that produces smiles and laughter, your mind's producing happy thoughts.
On the other hand, if you're always around people who never smile and always find something to complain about, you'll lean toward a more negative outlook on life.
Strengthening Your Inner Being
Laughing causes your inner being to be emotionally and physically strengthened.
When you laugh or even smile, your inner being is stimulated in an affirmative way, producing a more positive outlook on life.
This helps your body produce more self-healing endorphins, which actually helps your body remain healthy and running optimally!
Boosting Your Spirits
Laughter causes a lift in your spirits, helping you feel uplifted. Laughter not only helps you personally, it's also very contagious and infectious, which helps those around you feel less stress and anxious. (See Laughter Yoga below)
Don't you just love it when you hear a baby or toddler laugh? What happens to you? You can't help but laugh too!
Laughter begins to develop in humans as early as 3 months of age and a baby's laughter is one of the most contagious of all human sounds.
Laughter and Your Relationships
When two people share a funny story or a silly situation arises between two people, there's a unique bonding that is created.
Something special is formed between the two that only they can relate with. It's an inside joke that is special to those who've shared in the moment.
When two people spend a lot of time together in laughter, a stronger, more ever-lasting relationship develops.
In a marriage, studies show couples that laugh together stay together much longer, if not for life.
Think about a truly happy couple you know. Sure, every family has their issues and marriage takes work, but chances are they spend a lot of time laughing together.
This doesn't happen by accident either. It can be created and fostered!
When you choose to embrace laughter, you'll be able to get through many more rough spots in life and come out a happier and healthier person.
Life can be tough, so why not choose to make it more joyous? You can if you choose to.
Always try to find joy in every situation and laugh as often as possible each and every day.
Also, by spending more time around positive people, who love life and love to laugh, you'll be amazed at how you begin to feel on the inside and out!
"A day without laughter is a day wasted"
Charlie Chaplin - comic actor, filmmaker and composer
Bonus Laughter Videos!
Video No. 1: 'I Love To Laugh' from the movie Mary Poppins
Video No. 2: Laughing Babies Compilation
Further Reading:
- Why not try 'Laughter Yoga?' This site also helps you find a club in your area.
- Check out the series: How To Live A Happy And Successful Life