Source: Unsplash

Today's exhausting lifestyle has seized our joy and we have forgotten to live in the little moments of life, but looking at something silly brings in our laugh, even after a tough day. Laughing is one of the most generous feelings in the world, and it instantly brings people together and moreover nourishes some incredible connections. There are already various things to cherish about laughter, but there is more in laughter than just a joyous feeling. Laughter brings multiple health benefits to us, containing the physical and mental ones.

These health benefits of laughing are expressed by the researchers and health institutions all around the world. Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California, William B. Strean from College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the University of St. Augustine for health sciences have expressed and rectified the various benefits of it. And here are some health benefits of laughing!

1. Laughing strengthens the respiration:

We experience a feeling of pleasure after a hefty laugh. And this happens because laughter involves some intense exhalations which help to lower the heart rate and blood pressure, and our body enters a calmer state after a big laugh. It is very similar to deep breathing; it creates a purification process for breathing that is extremely helpful for the people suffering from respiratory problems and a disease named emphysema.

2. Blood Pressure is reduced by laughing:

Laughing boosts the inhalation and exhalation process of the heart, which improves the pumping of blood in the body. And people with blood pressure problems and even those who start at normal blood pressure can reduce the chances of stroke and heart attack with laughter.

3. Laughter enhances the immune system by boosting T-cells:

A hefty Laugh upswing the antibody-producing cells and enhances the capacity of T-cells in the body. These T-cells are unique immune system cells surviving in a body for activation. Whenever we laugh, the T-cells get activated and instantly proceed to resist any kind of infection. This decreases the possibilities of any virus damaging the immune system. And a healthy immune system resists infections and disorders.

4. Laughing supports cardiac health:

Laughter works as a great cardio workout. It is incredibly essential for those who are unable to perform any physical activities due to old age, illness, and injury. Laughter catches the same number of calories burned per hour as walking at a normal pace. Several people also use laughter therapy to maintain good health.

5. Stress hormones are reduced while laughing:

Laughing reduces the stress hormones released by the brain. By laughing, we automatically cut the anxiety and stress that impacts our body. Besides, the reduction in stress hormones can also result in higher performance of the immune system. Laughing helps in the ultimate time of work stress or other critical matters.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
A laughter yoga event in the United Kingdom.

6. Laughing helps to burn calories and works on the abs:

When we laugh really hard, the stomach muscles expand and contract, similar to when we perform any physical exercise. And it is a general fact that laughter burns the calories. Another benefit of laughter is that it helps to tone our abs. Whenever we laugh, the muscles of our stomach stretch, similar to when we intentionally do exercise for abs. Moreover, other muscles in our body that we do not use in regular routine get stretched due to laughter.

7. Cheerful laughter keeps Diabetes away:

Laughter is extremely significant for the patients of diabetes. It largely influences the ‘neuroendocrine system’, which regulates the glucose levels of the body. It enhances the performance of the heart's muscular chores. Negative feelings like fear, anxiety, and stress increase the level of blood glucose in the body. And a decent amount of laughter can regulate the blood sugar because it restrains the endocrine glands, which are credible for glucose generation.

8. Laughing works as an anti-depressant:

Today, people are more likely to be diseased with conditions like anxiety, nervous breakdown, sleeplessness, and depression. All of these diseases lead to outcomes like self-harm and suicidal tendencies. But laughing is an effective way to increase the generation of serotonin, which is a natural anti-depressant. Serotonin helps to produce a sense of joy and optimism in an individual who is feeling low.

9. Laughing helps to release Endorphin, which reduces the body-pain:

Laughter can effortlessly reduce some pain after an injury. It enables to expand the blood vessels and increase the oxygen level in the blood. Endorphins in our body are works as the body's innate painkillers. Laughter releases the endorphins from the brain, which benefits to ease pain and makes a person feel good. An individual with a decent sense of humor always gives positive vibes and approaches optimistically even after severe discomfort.

10. Laughter makes you look younger:

Laughter is a prominent way to look younger. It is a great and simple exercise for our facial muscles. While laughing, about 15 facial muscles jointly work to give rise to a smile or a laugh. It highly improves our chicks that nurture our skin and makes the face glow more. Moreover, it tones the face, establishing a decent skin. Several people also use facial yoga and laughter therapy to enhance the skin. 

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