A good friend of mine suggested the “health benefits of laughter” as a potential blog topic. This is a friend who has given me so many belly laughs over the years that my life should be extended well into my 100s. There is no doubt that laughter makes us feel good. It only stands to reason that laughter is good for our health. It certainly fits with the well-centered fitness model. Laughter keeps us Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially well.
Spiritually, a sense of humor helps us take life too seriously. Remember, we are not the center of the Universe. We can begin by laughing at ourselves—not in a self-degrading way—by accepting our faults and failures. Spiritually well-centered, we don’t share a laugh at the expense of others. We create laughter to make others feel good.
Physically, laughter not only gives our abdominals a workout. Laughter boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and releases endorphins. Laughter relaxes us. The effects of laughter are similar to exercise. In fact, laughing can burn in the neighborhood of 3-5 kcal per minute (minus the sweat!).
Intellectually, laughing won’t make us smarter, but it is good for the brain. Laughter affects many areas in the brain—e.g., the motor cortex evokes the physical effects of the joke, the left cortex analyzes the words and structure of the joke, the right cortex allows one to “get” the joke, the frontal lobe is involved with the emotional response, and the occipital lobe processes the visual of the joke)* Endorphins make the brain feel good, making it one of the best pain medicines.
The Emotional benefits of laughter should be quite obvious. Laughter lightens our emotional burdens. It eases anxiety and relieves stress.
Socially, a good sense of humor makes one more attractive. Humor strengthens relationships (when not intended to be at another’s expense). Humor promotes teamwork and comradery. As well, it can diffuse stressful situations.
Everyone likes a good laugh. In all the divisiveness and uncertainty in the world. We need to laugh more. Sadly, we are also being made afraid to offend and are also so easily offended. Maybe it is time we open up and allow ourselves to be vulnerable—to let a little humor in to break down barriers and start a healthy conversation rather than being so catastrophic. Let’s lighten up and have a good laugh.
Be funny today; be funnier tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
*https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/laughter3.htm