No Joke! Laughing Helps Your Health
When's the last time you laughed? Really laughed until your belly hurt, and you could barely breathe, or tears filled your eyes?
If it's been a while, you might want to chuckle, cackle or crack up a little more often. It doesn't just make us a little happier. Laughter is sometimes called the "best medicine" because it can positively affect our minds, bodies and emotions. Here are just a few essential benefits.
A snicker makes you smarter.
It sounds far-fetched, but one study compared two groups of older adults and found the group that watched a funny video for 20 minutes scored better on a memory test afterward. In addition, a lower amount of stress hormones were found in their saliva compared to the control group.
Belly laughs burn calories.
Perhaps the most exciting fact is that laughing every day could help us lose weight. Studies show laughing for 10 to 15 minutes daily can burn 40 to 50 calories. Sure, that's only shedding three to four pounds a year, but what easier way is there to lose a few?
Chuckles kindle romance.
Several studies have found that people rank humor high on the list of qualities they want in a partner. According to Scientific American, people use laughter to signal romantic interest. It's so important that when it came to online dating, a profile with a funny caption was more likely to be chosen than one with a straightforward bio. Why? Researchers say they can predict a couple's long-term compatibility by observing how their senses of humor mesh.
Comedy heals the heart.
One study found that blood pressure improves the 24 hours following watching a funny movie. Laughter can act as an anti-inflammatory as well. Maybe that's because laughing increases blood flow and boosts oxygen that stimulates your organs. Another study found that adults who laughed daily were less likely to have heart disease than those who seldom laughed.
Cracking up boosts immunity.
A case of giggles is positively linked to immunity. Experts believe it decreases stress hormones and increases antibody production, which provides resistance to pathogens.
Giggles improve emotional wellbeing.
Laughing stimulates circulation, which can alleviate stress symptoms. It also lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing endorphins and serotonin, similar to the effects of an anti-depressant. Some studies even showed it improved cognitive function and made people friendlier.
Knee-slappers relieve pain.
In several studies, pain thresholds were higher in subjects who had just watched a funny video versus the people who watched videos like nature documentaries. Experts believe this is because laughter releases endorphins, which have an analgesic or natural painkilling effect.
Laughs let you live longer.
In a 15-year study, researchers determined that high humor levels (based on questionnaire results) correlated with a lower risk of heart disease and infection deaths. For women, the risk of death from heart disease was lowered by 73%. The potential for death from infection went down 83%. In men, infection risk was reduced by 74%.
Considering all the benefits, find a way to start laughing a little more.
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