With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many people are dealing with more stress than ever. Factor in the rising cost of gasoline and the slowing economy and it’s clear to see a stressed population. There is increasing evidence that a good laugh may be the best way to combat stress. So go to the local comedy club or watch free comedy clips online for stress relief.
The benefit of laughter on your health is no joke, and it provides both long-term and short-term benefits. When you laugh, you not only lighten your mental load, but also cause physical changes in your body.
Laughter improves intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases endorphins released by the brain. A good laugh cools down your stress response and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. The result is a good feeling of relaxation and lower rates of stress. Laughter can also aid digestion and stimulate circulation, which helps reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Long-term benefits include an improved immune system. Negative thoughts manifest in chemical reactions that can affect your body by putting more stress on your system and lowering your immunity. Rather, positive thoughts actually trigger neuropathies that help fight stress and potentially more serious illness. A study of people with cancer who watched humorous videos showed less stress. and an increase in a particular cellular activity that is beneficial in fighting diseases such as HIV and cancer. Research increasingly shows that laughter can relieve pain by prompting the body to produce its own natural pain relievers.
Laughter can also help make difficult situations a little easier. A study of nurses working in emergency rooms found that nurses who use humor when dealing with their patients and co-workers experience higher job satisfaction. They also experienced feelings of personal accomplishment more than those who didn’t laugh during their shifts.
The facts are that laughter is good for you, and it’s also a lot of fun. So watch that funny movie or go to the comedy club or watch comedy online to enjoy the positive effects of humor on your body and mind.