Here are some of the many benefits of laughing more since laughter is the best medicine:
- Laughter causes you to gulp in large portions of air, thereby oxygenating your blood.
- Laughter decreases stress hormones in the body such as cortisol and adrenaline, thus helping to stave off illness.
- Laughter strengthens the immune system.
- When we laugh our bodies release hormones and chemicals that have positive effects on our system. One of these chemicals is endorphins, the feel-good hormone.
- One minute of laughing burns the same number of calories as 6 to 10 minutes on a treadmill.
- Laughing raises your mood.
- Laughing is good for the heart and improves blood circulation.
- Laughter can reduce pain and aid the healing process.
- Laughter creates and strengthens human connections.
- It feels good to laugh.
Suggestions:
Set the intent to laugh more
Include laughter in your morning routine
Smile
Read the funnies/comic strip/funny book
Find a funny friend
Find a favorite comedian/sitcom
Have a fun date night
Get a pet
Play fun games with friends
Laugh at yourself
Take up something new that is enjoyable
Find something funny on Pinterest or start a Pinterest Board
Start a funny scrapbook, for instance, “The funniest things my children have said and done.”
Pin up laughter quotes
Do the things that make you laugh
Follow funny people on Twitter
Start a joke jar
Try laughing yoga or meditation