Research has shown that the health benefits of laughter are far-ranging.
Laughter can lower blood pressure; increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood; give a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscle; reduce certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline; increase the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells; defend against respiratory infections–even reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva; increase memory and learning; and improve alertness, creativity, and memory!
BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER
Boost your Immune System
Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline),dopamine and growth hormone. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells we have working for us, and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress.
Get an Internal Workout
A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.
Learn More
in a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores. Laugh to increase your memory and learning.
Gain Perspective
Studies show that our response to stressful events can be altered by whether we view something as a ‘threat’ or a ‘challenge’. Humor can give us a more lighthearted perspective and help us view events as ‘challenges’, thereby making them less threatening and more positive. A good laugh can help distract us, too.
Connect with Others
Laughter connects us with others. Laughter and smiles are contagious. By elevating the mood of those around you, you can perhaps improve the quality of social interaction you experience with people.
Summit Performance Consulting LLC helps clients integrate humor and laughter into their exercise routine. Workouts should be fun! Learn how you can incorporate more exercise and fun into your life. Call us at 561-325-8363 or email us at Info@SummitPerformanceConsulting.com.
For more information about the benefits of laughter, read the following articles.
Bennett MP, Lengacher C. Humor and Laughter May Influence Health: III. Laughter and Health Outcomes. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, March 2008.
Bennett MP, Zeller JM, Rosenberg L, McCann J. The Effect of Mirthful Laughter on Stress and Natural Killer Cell Activity.. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, March-April 2003.