We have all said or heard this statement at least once in our lives and ,believe it or not, there are multiple studies out there that actually confirm what we inherently know: laughing is good for you health. This is going to sound crazy, especially if you know me well, I would personally much rather laugh a bit more than add another day of strength training or cardio to my week. I know, it's shocking!
Think about it...there is only so much that pharmaceuticals can do for you. These drugs have limits. I am not telling you not to take the medications that your good doctors prescribe, but what if you added a healthy diet, consistent exercise, stress relieving activities, a gratitude practice, sleep training, and yes, laughter, to your routine? I would think your prescribed drugs would work better for you at the very least, and who knows, maybe you could manage your discomfort or disease without them all together.
And if you are perfectly well and disease free (I know quite a few of you are), what's the harm in laughing more each day and enjoying the powerful benefits of such merriment? As a child, you probably laughed several times each day. But now you are an adult, and life tends to be more serious. You have responsibilities and the times you experience laughter are probably much more infrequent. By seeking out more opportunities for humor, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships with others, find greater happiness and joy, and even add years to your life.
Laughter can really influence your physical health by lowering your stress hormones, preventing heart disease, decreasing pain, and boosting immunity. A good chuckle increases blood flow throughout the body, releases endorphins (which are feel-good chemicals in our body) and increases infection fighting antibodies and immune cells. Laughing even helps your muscles relax. An unreserved guffaw relieves tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterwards. I'll take some of that medicine after a hard workout please!
Humor can also help resolve tension and disagreement in your relationships. It's a lot easier to solve problems with others when you are feeling happy and light at heart. It acts as a form of communication that can break down barriers, and work to strengthen relationships instead of breaking them down.
If for some reason you are lacking copious amounts of laughter in your life, there are a few things you can try to incorporate humor into every single day. Firstly, try smiling. It's the start of laughing and just like laughter, smiling is contagious. You can also watch a funny movie, go to a comedy show, or even attend a laugh yoga class. I personally love "dad jokes" even when they make me roll my eyes and my husband gratuitously provides these quips frequently.
Another easy fix is to be positive as often as possible and gravitate towards others that laugh and smile easily. Try not to take yourself, others, and situations so seriously. Yes, bad things happen, but there are many situations where you can see things from a different viewpoint and turn them into positives.
If you are joining me for class this week, whether it's on Zoom or in person, please use the buttons below to register, or visit my website and book your sessions there. Let laughter take you to a higher place where you can view the world with a more relaxed, joyful, and positive perspective. Your physical, mental, and social health will improve and so will the health of others around you.