Does Laughter Have Health Benefits?
By villageanne
@villageanne (8553)
United States
July 18, 2007 11:21am CST
I have always heard that laughter is the best medicine. I have never really put this to the test though. I was reading an article on another site about the health benefits of laughter and humor. I just could not wait to share it with you.
Laughter has always been a large part of my life and I have a good sense of humor. I mean, I have to in order to stay sane. I often say that I live in a zoo. When I am sick, I can be found in bed with a puppy on one side of me and a Siamese cat on the other side. Often the other cat will be at my feet. LOL I have to laugh or go crazy one.
This is an article all about how humor and laughter influence your health. Just like you have heard before “Laughter is the best medicine”, there seems to be a lot of evidence that saying is true.
Laughter can help us in everything From stress reduction to boosting your immune system to helping you instantly relax, the benefits are many. Laughter can be as contagious as a yawn and can lower your blood pressure. When we laugh, natural killer cells which destroy tumors and viruses increase, along with Gamma-interferon (a disease-fighting protein), T-cells (important for our immune system) and B-cells (which make disease-fighting antibodies). As well as lowering blood pressure, That is a very important benefit for all of us.
It also helps our mental health. It is amazing all the things that laughter can do for us. All are good things that will benefit us in our lives.
Are you ready to go exploring this saying with me? Check out this site.
http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
What is your opinion on laughter?
Do you believe that Laughter is the best medicine?
4 people like this
13 responses
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
19 Jul 07
I feel laughter is very good for us and that we all need to laugh in order to maintain our mental and physical health. Laughing can help relieve any stress that we may be feeling at the time and make us feel better about ourselves. It is very relaxing. I am sure laughing helps our heart as well. I love seeing people laugh and I enjoy laughing as well. It is not as much fun being around people that do not laugh or smile.
1 person likes this
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
19 Jul 07
That was a very interesting article. Thanks for sharing it. I always heard that laughter was the best medicine but never really knew all the reasons why. I tend to find humor in the strangest places and my boyfriend always makes me laugh. I am quite sure that is why I am still somewhat sane.lol.
1 person likes this
@umair2hot (1220)
• India
19 Jul 07
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. 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 laugh at stressful situations helps mitigate the damaging physical effects of distressing emotions.Some other specifics about laughter’s affect on the body are listed below.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
19 Jul 07
I always feel so much better after sharing a good laugh with someone. Even if I laugh alone, the endorphins give me a rush.
1 person likes this
@gene_jean9 (318)
• Philippines
19 Jul 07
ya you are right because I read in the article that laughter have a halth benefits like it can reduse stress,lower blood pressure,elevate mood,boost immune system,improve brain functioning,protect the heart,connect you to others,foster instant relaxation and make you feel good, thats are the health benefits that you can get in laughter.
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
18 Jul 07
Im a firm believer in laughing as much as possible.LOL I think it does help with our over all health. I find that when Im upset or down about something and I have a good laugh it always help me out. Yes laughter is the best medicine.Hahahahah and heheheheheh
1 person likes this
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
20 Jul 07
I know laughter is the Biggest stress reducer for me- I have a folder in my e-mail of jokes- I get tons of them each day from certain friends- When I’m especially stressed out at work- I open it up and read some- I laugh my head off- and the stress disappears- so yes I believe that laughter is great for your health. I didn’t know about all the other good things it does for your immune system- I would believe that too. Thanks for the information!
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
18 Jul 07
There was a study done by the University of maryland-Baltimore that concluded that people with heart disease laughed 40% less than those without heart disease.
Those with heart disease laughed less, even in positive situations and they displayed more anger and hostility.
Ever notice that it's hard to stay mad at your kids when you're laughing?
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
18 Jul 07
I have known of the benefits of laughter and humor for a very long time, villageanne. It's true that they can help us to heal. I never feel better than when my family gets together and we share a lot of laughter(we're all closet comedians). Also, my best friend and I will stay on the phone for hours sometimes just laughing our fool heads off. It's really great!
1 person likes this
@dbhattji (2506)
• India
19 Jul 07
Yes, we have laughter clubs here where people meet every morning in parks and laugh in different ways following the instructions of a leader. It is a good exercise as well as releases stress.
@herbicious (25)
• Canada
19 Jul 07
I can't necessarily say I feel "healthier" after I laugh, but I'm sure happier. Then again, I laugh really easily. Especially at the stupidest things.
