Laughing feels good. This isn’t even of the official benefits on our Top Five list, it is just a fact of life! Think about some of the best holidays, evenings or weekends that you’ve ever had. Chances are, it involved a lot of laughter! It just feels good and naturally releases any tension you’ve been carrying around. However, did you know that there are a bunch of scientifically proven reasons as to why laughing is actually healthy for you? Learn a few from our list below to share with friends next time you have a chuckle together.
1. Laughing Releases Endorphins.
Endorphins are feel-good hormones secreted by your brain and the nervous system, and one of the times this happens is while laughing. Endorphins activate the body’s opiate receptors and make you feel wonderful.
2. Laughing Lowers Blood Pressure.
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of illnesses in the world, and one of the benefits of a simple chuckle with friends is that your blood pressure will lower. The result? In the short term, you will feel more relaxed and calm, and in the long term, you could even live a little longer!
Source: Shutterstock3. Laughing Tones Your Abs.
Have your cheeks or your stomach ever ached from a long session of belly laughs? That’s when you know you’ve been yukking it up a lot! Believe it or not, laughing can actually strengthen your ab muscles – both the act of the laugh as well as the increase in oxygen and blood flow can lead to a better overall ab tone. Plus, all that motion naturally burns calories, so overall it’s a win-win situation.
4. Laughter Improves Your Immune System.
Laughing generally means you have positive thoughts occurring in the brain, and when we have those, neuropeptides are released in our bodies. These chemicals help fend off illnesses and combat stress, and there is also an indication that they could help combat more serious diseases. There is evidence that laughing can boost your T-cells, whose primary job it is to ward off sickness or all types.
5. Laughing Relieves Pain and Soothes Tension.
The body has natural pain relievers that are triggered in certain situations. Luckily, laughter is one of those! These pain reducing chemicals release into the body and contribute to an improved mood and a reduction in feeling pain.
Just the simple act of laughing can lessen feelings of anxiety and depression, which improves your overall mood and makes you feel lighter and calmer. Essentially, not only does it instinctively feel good, it gives us an overall sense of well-being and good humor, and who can say no to that?
