Why Laughter Is The Best Medicine

How do you fix a broken pumpkin? 

With a pumpkin patch! 

Whether you're chuckling through a comedy on Netflix or a "dad joke" has you in stitches, it's no secret that laughter is a great stress reliever. 

But did you know there are several benefits to laughing? This isn't a joke...we got six reasons why laughter is the best medicine!

The Benefits of Laughing

Now, laughing every day isn't a cure-all. However, more and more research reveals just how powerful laughter can be in our overall health and well-being. 

Laughter releases endorphins 

Endorphins are chemical hormones released by the body that interact with the receptors in the brain to combat stress, boost mood, and relieve pain. There are several types of endorphins, and some trigger the same happy effect as morphine. 

The body releases endorphins during activities like exercise, sex, listening to music, dancing, meditating, and laughing. 

Laughter boosts the immune system 

Stress can do a number on the immune system, decreasing its ability to fight off antigens. Laughing, however, can help reduce the body's production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, that suppress the immune system. 

Using humor as one way to handle stress can fight off stress reactions in the body and prevent certain illnesses. 

Laughter reduces pain

We aren't saying you won't feel pain, but it may bother you less. That's because laughter releases endorphins and is thought to ease muscle tension.

Humor and all that comes with it can also be a pleasant distraction to help manage pain and increase pain tolerance.

Laughter contributes to higher-quality relationships

Ask a majority of men and women the top qualities they look for in a partner, and we bet humor will rank pretty high on the list. That's because making each other laugh can enhance communication, strengthen the connection, add to intimacy, and better your sex life. 

Laughter can burn calories

A balance between a healthy diet and physical activity is critical to lower the risk of developing diseases like diabetes and obesity. 

However, don't discount laughing as a way to give the muscles of the face, chest, shoulders, stomach, and diaphragm a little workout. 

Dr. Miller at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that changes to the endothelium during laughter can be similar to aerobic activity. But that doesn't mean you should skip your regular exercise!

Laughter can make you more productive

That guy in the cubicle might be onto something with his corny jokes. We know laughter relieves stress but also reduces boredom and increases engagement and creativity, thus leading to a boost in productivity. 

One study found that a group of professionals were 10% more productive after watching a comedy clip than their peers who didn't. 

Final thoughts

There's no denying that life is filled with many stressful, serious, and disappointing moments. But take the time to appreciate the happy and joyous ones. And finding some humor every day can do wonders for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

So eat your veggies, wash your hands, move your body, and laugh!

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