Laughing feels good. We all love a hearty belly-laugh, a cute giggle, or a jovial chuckle. But did you know that laughter not only feels great in the moment, but it also offers long-term benefits to your health?! The reason that laughter offers such profound health benefits is that it allows the pituitary gland to release pain-suppressing opiates.
So, what exactly can laughter do for you? It can…
- Decrease blood pressure
- Improve vascular blood flow
- Oxygenate the blood
- Give the diaphragm, abdominals, facial, leg, and back muscles a workout
- Improve respiratory function
- Reduce stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline
- Improve the response of tumor- and disease-suppressing cells
- Prevent respiratory infections
- Reduce the occurrence of colds
- Improve memory and increase learning
- Help with alertness and creativity
If you’re looking for a super simple (and enjoyable) way to boost your overall wellness – start laughing! Turn to your friends, family, favorite joke book, comedian, or funny movie to help you crack a smile, if need be.
Equal Housing Opportunity