You have likely heard it before. Laughter is good for you. But do you find opportunities to laugh?
It’s a great stress reliever that is good for your health. Some benefits of laughter include:
- An increase in your immune system.
- A defense against infectious organisms entering through the respiratory tract.
- Getting a workout. Researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike.
- A lowering of your blood pressure and increasing of your vascular blood flow.
- Creating a new perspective of the situation.
Some days opportunities for laughter may be easier to see than others. Laughter is your physiological response to a situation based on your sense of humor.
Learn more: Boosting your mental health
Here are some ways you can work on developing your sense of humor so you can find laughter in your life:
Start with a smile
Studies show having a smile on your face can release endorphins, which make you feel better, and can lead you to actually feeling happier. If you are able to put a smile on your face, the laughter will come more easily and the stress will melt more readily.
Laughter with friends
Find a friend to laugh with; you can each share your frustrations, and laugh about them in the process.
Daily laughter
Find a daily book of thoughts that make you laugh. Make reading “your laugh of the day” part of your morning routine.
Embrace your moments
Even in the midst of frustration you might find an opportunity for laughter. For example,
if you discover your child painted with your favorite makeup so she could be just like you, smile at her innocence and her desire to be like you. It will warm your heart.
Related stories
- 5 ways to fight depression
- Stress at work: How leaders make all the difference
- Managing stress during the holidays
…
Posted In Health Information, Healthy Living
