Humor, Laughter and Health
BRINGING MORE HUMOR AND LAUGHTER INTO OUR LIVES
The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. Humor and laughter can cause a domino effect of joy and amusement, as well as set off a number of positive physical effects. Humor and laughter strengthen our immune systems and help us recover from illness, as well as bring joy into our lives. The question is, how do we gain access to this priceless medicine?
In This Article:
- Health benefits of humor and laughter
- Humor improves mental and emotional health
- Humor helps us stay emotionally healthy
- Bringing more humor and laughter into our lives
- Creating opportunities to laugh
- Making sure your humor won’t offend
- Related links for humor, laughter and health
Health benefits of humor and laughter
“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.
Medicine From Henny Youngman:
“Doctor I have a ringing in my ears.” “Don’t answer!”
The Doctor says “You’ll live to be 60!” “I AM 60!” “See, what did I tell you?”
From Steven Wright:
“If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving definitely isn’t for you.”
“Smoking cures weight problems, eventually”.
“If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.”
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.