They say “laughter is the best medicine” and they aren’t wrong. It turns out there are several physical and mental health benefits to laughter. Laughter is a natural medicine that can combat stress, improve your mood and even strengthen your immune system.
Whether you are stressed out at work or school, we could all use a little more laughter in our lives. Below are some of the scientifically proven ways laughter can relieve stress, plus an infographic that covers 10 ways to add more laughter to your daily life.
Mental health benefits of laughter
Increases the number of endorphins released in your body
Provides a distraction from worrying thoughts
Improves your mood
Strengthens your personal relationships
Decreases cortisol levels
Physical health benefits of laughter
Relaxes your muscles
Increases your heart rate and overall cardiac health
Stimulates your lungs, heart, and muscles
Boosts your immune system by releasing infection-fighting antibodies and neuropeptides
Reduces the stress hormones that cause weight gain
Lowers blood pressure
5 Ways to Add More Laughter to Your Life
What makes you laugh? Figuring out what gets you giggling is the first step to adding more laughter to your life. If you need some help, check out the ideas below.
Follow a funny Instagram account: There are thousands of meme accounts on social media. Follow a couple and have a laugh the next time your scrolling.
Listen to a comedy podcast: On your way to work or while you’re at the gym, put on a funny podcast to start the day off with a couple of laughs.
Try laughter yoga: Yes you heard us! Laughter yoga trains the body to be more open to laughter, resulting in improved health.
Alter your environment: Your surroundings can play a large role in your mood. Reshape your home or desk at work to include more things that make you smile.
There’s nothing funny about stress. Whether you’re a grad student studying to get your master’s in nursing or a working mother who is having a hard time balancing her work and personal life, take a deep breath and try one of the techniques above. If you need more help, check out the infographic below.