Laughing Every Day Could Save Your Life, And Here's 11 Reasons Why

Few things are more gratifying than a good belly laugh. Suddenly, any stress or worry disappears. Though not many people spend too much time thinking about a good giggle, it”s actually a healthy and important part of everyday life.

More and more research is being done into the ways humor and laughter keep us healthy. There”s even an International Society for Humor Studies that is dedicated to this stuff. There are classes that educate people on laughter therapy, and laugh yoga (seriously) helps some find a more balanced, healthy mindset. Find out all the ways laughing can contribute to a healthier life:

1. Laughter helps your T cells.

These cells are an important part of your immune system that contributes to keeping you healthy.

2. Laughter lowers blood pressure.

This reduces your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

3. Laughter gives you a sense of well-being.

It helps you deal with any negative emotions. Laughter also contributes to a more positive mindset.

 

4. Laughter helps defuse conflict.

If you”re in a room full of people that are angry at each other, a good, shared belly laugh will do a lot to ease conflicts.

5. Laughter promotes bonding.

Laughing along with someone else is one of the fastest ways to bond with them.

6. Laughter is good for your heart.

Laughing can actually give you a good cardio workout, burning calories even while sitting still.

7. Laughter reduces stress hormones.

Laughing causes a chemical change in your mind that relieves stress and anxiety.

 

8. Laughter gives you an ab workout.

Though it”s hard to get a six pack just by laughing, a good giggle does exercise your abdominal muscles by expanding and contracting them.

9. Laughter releases endorphins.

These natural painkillers are released during laughter and are good for relieving chronic pain.

10. Laughter can help relieve physical tension.

Having a good laugh actually relaxes your body, reducing muscle tension.

11. Laughter can actually shift your perspective on the world around you.

It”s true: laughter has been shown to make us see situations as less threatening and in a more realistic way.

(via Gaiam Life, Help Guide)

Even though I didn”t really need convincing, these health benefits have really made me appreciate how important laughter is. I”m making it a goal of mine to laugh out loud more often!