The phrase "laughter is the best medicine" is one that virtually everyone has heard at least once. Over the past decade, however, scientific evidence has proved that this statement is true. There is a powerful connection between humor and health, and the many health benefits and other positive side effects of laughter are currently being studied.
Laughing can boost the human immune system, relieve stress, promote cardiovascular health, and alleviate pain. One of the main reasons that it has this capability is because it stimulates the mind, emotions and body. It encourages the production of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, which are the chemicals in the human body responsible for a positive mood.
In additional, a hearty laugh will also help to flush toxins from one's body. This is because it promotes heart and lung function, which increases the flow of blood throughout one's system. In addition, unknown to many individuals, laughing burns a significant number of calories. Research has proven that laughing vigorously for only one minute produces the same cardiovascular benefits as spending 15 minutes on a stationary bicycle.
As mentioned earlier, discovering the humorous things in life will also bolster an individual's immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting one from any threat to his or her overall health, such as viruses, free radicals or various infections. Laughing regularly boosts the body's production of white blood cells, the latter of which combat the aforementioned health threats. Individuals who laugh consistently recover quicker when they are ill and experience sickness less often.
Humor also combats stress. Epinephrine and cortisol are referred to as the body's stress hormones. However, these chemicals are released at a decreased rate when an individual is engaged in laughter. Many people can recall various times that they last so intensely that they cried. Almost everyone who has experienced this kind of laughter will agree that shortly after their laughing episode they felt a great calm and emotional release. This is because venting emotions through laughter is regarded as a healthy way to release stress, as opposed to getting angry and shouting.
Humor is also regarded by scientists as a natural painkiller. This is because endorphins, which also naturally relieve pain, are released whenever one laughs. For this reason, the more things a person can find humor in, the happier he or she will ultimately feel. Laughing also distracts one from any negative thoughts he or she may be having. In addition, it enhances brain function. Those who laugh often have greater mental clarity and can focus better than their more solemn counterparts.
There are numerous avenues through which one can embrace laughter and subsequently enjoy the positive side effects with which it is associated. If a person begins to consciously observe the events and people surrounding him or her, the individual will probably discover that humorous things occur more frequently he or she may have thought. Those who are seeking the health benefits of humor should not miss any opportunity to laugh at an amusing situation.
There are additional ways to add humor to one's life. These include watching funny movies or sitcoms, or visiting a comedy club in one's hometown. Further research concerning this phenomenon is underway. However, there is currently enough evidence to suggest that the link between humor and health should not be ignored.
Laughing can boost the human immune system, relieve stress, promote cardiovascular health, and alleviate pain. One of the main reasons that it has this capability is because it stimulates the mind, emotions and body. It encourages the production of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, which are the chemicals in the human body responsible for a positive mood.
In additional, a hearty laugh will also help to flush toxins from one's body. This is because it promotes heart and lung function, which increases the flow of blood throughout one's system. In addition, unknown to many individuals, laughing burns a significant number of calories. Research has proven that laughing vigorously for only one minute produces the same cardiovascular benefits as spending 15 minutes on a stationary bicycle.
As mentioned earlier, discovering the humorous things in life will also bolster an individual's immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting one from any threat to his or her overall health, such as viruses, free radicals or various infections. Laughing regularly boosts the body's production of white blood cells, the latter of which combat the aforementioned health threats. Individuals who laugh consistently recover quicker when they are ill and experience sickness less often.
Humor also combats stress. Epinephrine and cortisol are referred to as the body's stress hormones. However, these chemicals are released at a decreased rate when an individual is engaged in laughter. Many people can recall various times that they last so intensely that they cried. Almost everyone who has experienced this kind of laughter will agree that shortly after their laughing episode they felt a great calm and emotional release. This is because venting emotions through laughter is regarded as a healthy way to release stress, as opposed to getting angry and shouting.
Humor is also regarded by scientists as a natural painkiller. This is because endorphins, which also naturally relieve pain, are released whenever one laughs. For this reason, the more things a person can find humor in, the happier he or she will ultimately feel. Laughing also distracts one from any negative thoughts he or she may be having. In addition, it enhances brain function. Those who laugh often have greater mental clarity and can focus better than their more solemn counterparts.
There are numerous avenues through which one can embrace laughter and subsequently enjoy the positive side effects with which it is associated. If a person begins to consciously observe the events and people surrounding him or her, the individual will probably discover that humorous things occur more frequently he or she may have thought. Those who are seeking the health benefits of humor should not miss any opportunity to laugh at an amusing situation.
There are additional ways to add humor to one's life. These include watching funny movies or sitcoms, or visiting a comedy club in one's hometown. Further research concerning this phenomenon is underway. However, there is currently enough evidence to suggest that the link between humor and health should not be ignored.