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10 surprising health benefits of laughter

What is the use of laughter? Laughter is a brain-regulated part of human behavior. Laughter helps people communicate their intentions during social interactions and provides an emotional backdrop for conversations. Laughter is a signal that we are part of a group - it signals your acceptance in society and positive interaction with others.

Laughter is a celebration of kindness, and at the same time, it is an indicator of how we cope with difficulties. Laughter, like screaming, is a good way to flush toxins out of the body. Since our mind and body are inextricably linked, when laughing, a significant number of facial muscles are activated. Laughter is the best therapy. We always say that. In fact, it's better to have a good deal of joy than just gathering your courage for a few minutes.

In fact, laughter is an important part of us. And, as it turned out, it has many different beneficial effects on the human body. Just read these 10 health benefits of laughter.

So here are 10 impressive benefits of laughter.

Longevity


According to one recent study, older people who are optimistic - that is, those who expect good news (rather than bad) - are less likely to die than pessimists. In fact, a study of 65-85-year-olds found that more optimistic people were 55 percent less likely to die from various causes than most pessimistic people.

Strengthening Your Immune System


Scientists have found that laughter actually strengthens the immune system by increasing the number of antibody-producing T lymphocytes. This makes us more resistant to coughs and colds. Laughter also lowers levels of at least four hormones associated with stress. So, having a good laugh, you will be much less tense and anxious.

Pain relief


It was found that after laughing, pain decreases. Laughter not only distracts you from pain, but it also releases endorphins that are beneficial to your body, which are much stronger than the same amount of morphine. British studies show how just 15 minutes of laughter can increase pain tolerance by about 10 percent as a result of the release of endorphins that the brain produces. These endorphins induce something akin to the natural state of "bliss," resulting in a pleasant feeling of calm as well as temporary pain relief.

Decrease in depression


Laughter has long been known to help people suffering from seasonal affective disorder or severe depression. Laughter reduces tension and stress, and lowers anxiety and irritation, which are the most important factors that contribute to blues. In a study published in the journal Geriatrics and Gerontology International, it was noted that laughter therapy reduced depression in older patients, increased their feelings of well-being, and increased their sociability.

Improving relationships


If you are looking for a new partner, then laughter will help you with this. Men love women who laugh in front of them, and women actually laugh 125% more than men.

And if you are no longer alone, then having a similar sense of humor is an important factor in maintaining a good relationship.

The public benefits of laughter


Laughter is contagious. So, if you bring more joy into your life, you can most likely help others around you to laugh more. By raising the spirits of those around you, you can reduce their feelings of anxiety, and possibly improve the quality of the relationship you have with them. It also lowers your own anxiety level even more!
The more you are happy with others, the more likely you are to be remembered for your positive energy and the emotions you bring. Moreover, laughter helps to improve close relationships and brings more joy, makes relationships more harmonious.

Internal training


How often have you laughed lately? A good laugh trains your diaphragm, strengthens your abdominals, and even trains your shoulders, after which your muscles relax better. Plus, laughter is a great workout for your heart. Laughing a hundred times will replace 10 minutes on a rowing machine or 15 minutes on a stationary bike with laughter.

Strengthening your breathing


Laugh as often as possible, because laughter expels a large amount of air through your lungs, thereby creating a cleansing effect that is akin to deep breathing. It is especially beneficial for people suffering from respiratory ailments such as asthma.

Weight loss aid


Laughter is also very good physical exercise. Laughter burns calories - as odd as it sounds, it has a lot of benefits, good laughter improves heart rate and speeds up metabolism. If you're on a diet, consider adding laughter to your exercise program. A good sitcom can easily make you laugh for 20 minutes or more.

Heart protection


People who laugh quite often have lower blood pressure than the average of the rest. When people have laughed enough, at first their blood pressure increases, but then it decreases to a level below average.

Your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle in your body, it becomes stronger and functions better when trained. Regularly laughing is like going to the gym for your heart. Laughter has been found to benefit circulation throughout the body, reducing the likelihood of heart disease. Research has shown that 15 minutes of laughter a day is just as important for your heart as 30 minutes of exercise three times a week.

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Laughter is good for your health and prolongs life. What else is laughter useful for? Watch our video for the 10 most interesting facts about laughter!