“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.” ― Mark Twain
I love to laugh (anyone remember Mary Poppins ?). Even the thought of laughing lifts my spirits. I gravitate towards things and people that make me laugh. In my world, unless I’m hungry, laughter comes easily.
Sometimes laughter erupts over goofy things. Sometimes it’s irreverent as hell. Sometimes I laugh over my own shortcomings, and other times it’s over the messes and foibles of someone else. I’m not a particularly funny person (more of the seriously intense type, actually), but have been known to conjure up a ’bout of sudden goofiness or dish out the unexpected comedic barb.
Laughter is one of those mysterious human traits that is not completely understood. Some say people laugh to cover pain, while others say laughter cannot exist without pain. Some say we laugh to console others, and there are those who use laughter to control others. What we do know is that all humans have the ability to laugh. It’s social, it’s contagious, and you can’t fake it (not true laughter). Laughter involves your entire body, and it can have a positive or negative influence on relationships (laughing at vs laughing with someone).
Regardless of what makes you laugh, laughter provides some amazing benefits for your body and mind. It doesn’t hurt your social skills, either. Here’s a quick rundown on the benefits of laughter…..
Physical Benefits
1. Laughter relaxes your whole body, relieving tension and stress for up to 45 minutes.
2. Laughter boosts your immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and antibodies.
3. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, your bodies natural “feel good” chemical.
4. Laughter protects your heart by improving the function of blood vessels and increasing circulation.
Mental Benefits
5. Laughter relieves tension and boosts your mood.
6. Laughter eases anxiety and fear. Try feeling sad, anxious or lonely when you are laughing!
7. Laughter enhances resilience. When something bad happens, you bounce back faster when you can laugh about it.
8. Laughter helps you recharge. It increases your energy and helps you stay focused.
9. Laughter enhances spontaneity. It helps you forget your troubles for a while.
10. Laughter reduces defensiveness. It helps you forget judgments, criticism and doubts.
11. Laughter releases inhibitions. You set aside your fear of holding back.
12. Laughter releases deeply pent up emotions and lets them rise to the surface.
13. Laughter changes your perspective. It allows you to see situations in a less threatening light.
Social Benefits
14. Laughter strengthens your relationships.
15. Laughter attracts others to you.
16. Laughter enhances teamwork.
17. Laughter helps defuse conflict.
18. Laughter promotes group bonding.