It’s Good For You

Think of the last time you had a really, really good laugh. Proverbs 17:22 says a merry heart is good medicine.

Is this merely a “spoon full of sugar”, or is there actual scientific evidence to support this metaphor?
Why, yes! Otherwise this would be a very short article.

Recent research demonstrates that when we laugh, our immune system is strengthened, our mood is boosted, pain levels diminish, and stress levels decrease. ¹

Sounds like good medicine to me!

• It’s good for your brain.
  Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

• A good, hearty laugh relaxes the whole body.
  It relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.²  “Aaaah,” cue the spa music.

• It protects the heart, improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow, helping to protect against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

• Laughter may even help you to live longer. One study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer ³.

And lastly (drum roll, please),

• It burns calories. One study found that 10-15 minutes of laughing a day can burn about 40 calories—which could be enough to lose a whopping 3 or 4 pounds over the course of… a year. So, it’s not a replacement for going to the gym (shoot!), but you’ll sweat less. Probably.

So, in conclusion, laugh often and live lighter! And just a tip – it feels even better with a friend or two laughing (or groaning) along with you.

When’s the last time you had a really good laugh?