Laughter, Physical And Psychological Benefits

Laughter is a natural reaction of our body to which we often do not assign the value it deserves. We generally let life surprise us with situations that make us laugh and enjoy ourselves. But if we were aware of the great benefits that this simple act has for our health, we would not hesitate to actively seek ways to increase its presence in our daily lives.

Laughing improves our physical and emotional state in multiple ways. For this reason, it is a powerful tool that is within our reach. In addition, it is something positive and gratifying, which brings us immediate well-being. Therefore, what do you think if we start to implement laughter in our routines?

Physical benefits of laughter

Laughing has great advantages for our physical health :

• Laughter is a very complete exercise in which 430 muscles of the body are involved, many of which we do not use normally. Therefore, laughter helps us stay in shape.

• Between laughs, twice as much air enters our lungs as in normal breathing. Thus, laughter improves the oxygenation of our body. 
• Helps strengthen our immune system
• Produces an analgesic effect that reduces the perception of pain
• Lowers blood pressure and muscle tension, which is why it has beneficial effects on the heart
• Improves intestinal regulation and facilitates digestion

Psychological benefits of laughter

However, laughter not only favors our physical well-being. It also has a great influence on our mental and emotional state. Some of the main advantages are the following:

• When we laugh, we release a large amount of endorphins, substances that greatly contribute to our feeling of happiness. For this reason, it helps us to combat anxious and depressive states, which are increasingly present in our society.

• After enjoying a session of laughter, we experience a pleasant relaxation, so we remove the stress from our lives.
• In addition, laughing is extremely beneficial for those with a tendency to worry and negativity. The state of happiness that we experience when we laugh is incompatible with fear and anguish. So while you laugh, your mind remains free of catastrophic or overwhelming thoughts.
• It favors memory due to the better oxygenation of the brain. And, in addition, it enhances creative thinking because it immerses us in a state of positivity and good humor.
• Facilitate and improve our social relationships. Undoubtedly, when someone smiles at us, they convey their closeness and good disposition, so it is much easier and more pleasant for us to approach and talk with that person. On the other hand, sharing laughter and good times strengthens our interpersonal and emotional bonds. It brings us closer to others and helps us associate your company with positive and pleasant states, which we will always want to relive.

Laugh every day to be healthier and happier

In view of the innumerable benefits that a laugh can bring us, why limit ourselves to experiencing its effects only when chance decides? Let’s learn to implement laughter as part of our daily routine and we will feel more energetic and optimistic. But how can we do it?

• Identify your own sense of humor. Not all people find the same jokes or situations funny. Find your own niche and take advantage of it daily. Spend some time enjoying everything that makes you laugh, actively seek it out. Comedy series, movies, monologues, parodies, jokes … explore the variety of options and find what makes you feel positive.

• Get into the habit of keeping positive, pleasant, and fun thoughts and memories. Health is not only what we eat, or the physical exercise we practice; it is also what we think and say. So get used to watering and feeding the fun, optimistic and positive side of your mind.
• Play again. Play connects us with our inner child, disinhibits us, excites us and allows our imagination to flow.
• Surround yourself with positive, happy and fun people who convey happiness to you. Laughter is contagious, but so is negativity: select your companies carefully.
• Lastly, practice smiling. Do not just smile when you feel happy, smile and you will see happiness come into your life. Smile for no reason, and you will find reasons more and more easily.