Laughter is the best medicine!

We all laugh sometimes. Laughter makes us feel better, it gives us a happy feeling. Laughing is even very healthy for you! But what exactly does laughter do to your body?

Laughter and your body

When you're laughing, your body produces chemicals. These are endorphin, serotonin and dopamine. Endorphin is a chemical which works against pain. Pregnant women produce a lot of endorphins shortly before going into labour, to lessen the pain. Endorphins also make you feel happy. This chemical is also often released after doing sports. Serotonin works well against fear and makes you feel content. Dopamine, too, is a chemical which causes happy feelings, but it also motivates you, influences your libido and helps you make the right decisions.

However, that's not all laughter does to your body. Unconsciously, you're also training the muscles in your face and stomach, which causes a better blood flow. Laughing a lot can lower the chances of heart and vascular diseases, and it lowers the blood pressure. People who laugh are often deemed more attractive. Laughing is a social event and therefore it creates a bond, and it also has a good influence on your mood. Lastly, laughter improves your memory, learning abilities, alertness and creativity. In short: laughter is the best medicine!

Laughter therapy

Nowadays some people are much too busy to laugh spontaneously, which is why there is laughter therapy. In this therapy people are supposed to laugh without an apparent cause, merely because it is good for you and because it is fun to laugh. This lowers stress levels and problems suddenly seem a lot less important. 

Of course you can also be responsible for more laughter yourself. You could start by searching for humour: get a few DVDs you find funny or go to a cabaret performance. A visit to (funny) friends can help too. Afterwards you can start your own laughter therapy. Start by doing stretches to loosen up your muscles, for example by pulling faces. Then try to laugh. Start off softly and laugh louder and louder. Then become quiet and try not to think of anything for a moment. Let go of all your thoughts and relax.

People who laugh a lot will notice they'll become healthier. Laughing only has positive effects, so try to laugh as much as possible!

Sources: www.todio.nl