8 Reasons why Laughter is really the best medicine

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Laurie Neave, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

8 REASONS WHY LAUGHTER
REALLY IS THE BEST MEDICINE
BY LAURIE NEAVE September 13 2017
www.joyfullifewellness.com
Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “laughter is the best medicine.” It’s not just a familiar saying with no
substance, however. Did you know that laughter is a powerful remedy known to relieve stress, pain, and
conflict? Nothing works quicker to bring your mind and body back into balance than laughter. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires new hopes, and connects you to others. It provides a fresh perspective and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. Laughter also helps you to release anger and be more forgiving. Laughter has so much power to heal and renew. The ability to laugh easily and frequently is the best resource you can possess for tackling problems, enhancing relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Best of all, this medicine is fun, free and easy to use!

Laughter is Good for Your Health
Laughter may help you to live a longer life. In 2016, the results of a 15-year study in Norway were published.
The study found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who didn’t laugh as much. Laughter boosts immunity to illness. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, improving your resistance to disease. Laughter is good for your heart. Laughter can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. It increases blood flow and improves the functioning of blood vessels. Laughter relaxes the entire body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter diffuses anger and conflict. Imagine being able to end an argument by sharing a good laugh. Laughter allows you to see things in a different, more positive way, and enables you to move on from confrontations without any bitterness or resentment. Laughter combats depression. Laughter releases endorphins and dopamine, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These hormones promote an overall sense of wellbeing, improve mood, and can even temporarily relieve pain. Laughter strengthens relationships. People who are able to laugh together form a natural bond. This bond enhances both personal and professional relationships. Laughter aids weight loss. Studies found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn about 40 calories. Over the course of a year, that’s enough to shed three or four pounds.

Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is a gentle, effective practice that was developed and introduced in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria and the International Laughter Yoga University in Bangalore, India. This practice is now celebrated and enjoyed all over the world through a growing movement of certified individuals who have organized Laughter Clubs. Laughter Yoga incorporates the benefits of laughing with gentle movements, easy exercises, and yogic breathing