Laughter is the best medicine is the most commonly heard dialogue which we often get to hear from people around us. The fact that laughter is good for health is has many physiological, social, psychological as well as spiritual effects on the body in addition to enhancing the quality of life. And the best part being this priceless medicine is fun, easy to use and lacks any contraindications (as various medicines) and free.
One doesn’t need to think twice before laughing at it does not harm anyone and they can have a good amount of laugh anytime and anywhere.
So here are a few health benefits why laughing is good for overall well-being.
1. Stress-buster
A good and hearty laugh not only relieves physical tension and stress but also relaxes your muscles. It also helps in maintaining a normal blood flow in the body. Laughter improves the supply of oxygen to the brain and various body organs thereby enhancing neurological performance and efficacy and also providing relief from stress and depression.
2. Prevents Cancer
Laughter has also been shown to fight against cancer by increasing the levels of IFN (Interferon-gamma) in the body. IFN stimulates the B-cells, T-cells, NK cells, and immunoglobulin, and it also works to regulate cell growth. These compounds are very important for a healthy immune system, but they are also the lines of defense against cancer and the abnormal growth of dangerous tumors in the body.
3. Improves Memory
Along with the improved brain function that laughter can provide, laughing can also work to improve memory in a different ways. The connections and associations that the brain forms while learning can be widened and made more complex by combining basic learning with an emotional response like laughter or humor. By varying the levels of association with different parts of our brain remembering facts and recalling details is easier because there are more linkages present in our memory.
4. Improves Breathing
Laugh more and more, because laughter empties your lungs of more air than it takes in resulting in a cleansing effect which is similar to deep breathing. This is especially helpful for people who are suffering from respiratory ailments, such as asthma.
5. Helps Weight Loss
Burning off calories by laughing might not sound as if it has much use, but a hearty chuckle raises the heart rate and speeds up the metabolism. Try adding laughter to your exercise regime if you are on a diet. A good sitcom might easily keep you laughing for 20 minutes or more.
We have provided you the best benefits of laughter. So the next time you need not find a reason for laughing and just go on as if no one is watching you.