Gut Buster: Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter

Okay, here’s an oldie, but a goodie…Why did the chicken cross the road? Oh, come on!  Did you really think I was going to finish that joke? I probably don’t need to. You may have already been conditioned to laugh just by hearing the tag line so many times. And laughter is good. Laughter activates the chemistry of the will to live and increases our capacity to fight disease. Laughing relaxes the body and reduces problems associated with high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, and ulcers.

Some research suggests that laughter may also reduce the risk of heart disease. Having a good sense of humor has been shown to aide with resiliency to traumatic events. Historically, research has shown that distressing emotions (depression, anger, anxiety, and stress) are all related to heart disease. A study done at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a good sense of humor and the ability to light-heartedly approach stressful situations helps mitigate the damaging physical effects of distressing emotions. So find the humor in life.

A good hearty laugh can help:

– reduce stress

– lower blood pressure

– elevate mood

– boost immune system

– improve brain functioning

– protect the heart

– connect you to others

– foster instant relaxation

– make you feel good