Human beings have been laughing for as long as we have been human. In fact, recent evidence suggests that apes and other animals also laugh in their own way. And although humor is experienced across all ages and cultures, scientists are still not in agreement about the root causes of humor and laughter. For more in-depth information about humor and laughter, please check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humor_(positive_psychology)#Humor_and_Health
Health and laughter
There is widespread agreement among scientists that humor in general, and laughter in particular, are very good for us. In fact, laughter provides a number of very powerful physical and emotional health benefits.
Ten powerful physical and emotional benefits of laughter:
1. Reduces pain and allows us to put up with discomfort
2. Improves oxygen flow to the brain and heart
3. Reduced blood sugar levels
4. Helps blood vessels work better
5. Helps bereaving people deal with grief
6. Dampens negative emotions like anger
7. Serves as a distancing mechanism in coping with adversity
8. Helps to achieve a sense of satisfaction with life
9. Provides higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression
10. Releases stress and anxiety
Laughter, work and relationships
In addition to these wonderful physical and emotional health benefits, laughter also improves your job performance, especially if you are called on to be creative or solve complex problems. It also strengthens marriages and other relationships between people. It literally synchronizes the brains of two people talking so that they are emotionally tuned in to each other. For more information on the benefits of laughter, check out this link: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200504/laughter-the-best-medicine
Laughter does a body good
Scientists are just beginning to understand how laughter affects us physically, but studies have already shown that laughter does as much good to arteries as strong aerobic activity. This doesn’t mean that you should laugh instead of exercise, but it does suggest that you try to laugh regularly. One of the more amazing recent findings is that laughing helps to regulate blood flow and assists the blood’s ability to form clots and coagulate. In addition, it causes our bodies to secrete healthy chemicals in response to infection. Finally, studies have shown that laughter can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers don’t clearly understand how laughter generates these heart benefits. It’s possible that they come from the forceful movement of the diaphragm as you laugh. In addition, laughter might activate the brain’s release of hormones like endorphins, which have a positive effect on blood vessels, organs and other body parts.
Prescription for health
Medical experts studying the health benefits of laughter suggest a simple prescription to improve your health: thirty minutes of exercise three times a week, coupled with fifteen minutes of daily laughter.
Moving forward
It’s clear that laughter is very good for the body as well as the soul. So what should we do with this newfound information about the benefits of laughter? Well, we suggest you start by checking out local comedy venues. To find comedy events near you, please visit: http://www.comedyworld.com
About the author
Bill Hartzer is a freelance writer based in Texas, and writes for Health Plan News.