Five Ways Laughter is the Best Medicine

Look up some cat videos on YouTube, and start laughing your way to a healthier you.

I don’t know about you, but I love to laugh! Whether it’s because I heard a funny joke, or I embarrassed myself (it happens), laughing feels amazing.

It’s really a transformational experience, and one good joke is enough to turn that frown upside down.

There’s a whole science to laughter (strange, right?), but the bottom line is that yes, laughter really is the best medicine! That’s right: One good laugh can actually have a positive impact on your health.

Five ways laughter is the best medicine

1. It releases endorphins.
   Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers and give you a sense of well-being and happiness.
2. It relaxes your body.
   Laughing helps you relax? Yes—it’s scientifically proven! Laughing decreases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which are associated with fight-or-flight situations. Unless you’re being chased by a tiger, there’s no reason not to laugh!
3. It boosts your immune system.
   While you’re laughing at the funniest joke you’ve ever heard, your body is increasing its immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. What does this mean? Your body is protecting itself from things that can make you sick. You’re having fun and your body is working hard. Go you!
4. It protects the heart.
   There are so many people who suffer from heart problems, whether it’s clogged arteries or high blood pressure. Studies show that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. While that’s not something to laugh at, laughter can help your heart be healthier. As a bonus tip, eating right, exercising and cutting back on bad habits such as smoking and drinking help your heart, too.
5. It can aid in weight loss.
   Depending on how much you laugh, it can make a difference in your journey to a healthier you. A little laughter goes a long way!

Laughing does the body good and the best part is, it doesn’t even have to be a genuine laugh! True story. The body can’t tell the difference between a real or fake laugh.

If absolutely nothing can make you laugh today, fake it till you make it.

So, whenever you’re feeling low, try laughing! Put on a comedy or watch a few cat videos on YouTube. You’ll see results almost instantly.

Photo credit: Monkey Business Images Ltd, Thinkstock