Health Benefits of Laughing

Health Benefits of Laughing

Benefits of Laughing

You just got to accept it, the feeling you are left with after a good, long laugh is clearly one of the most amazingly indescribable things in life. And when you break into further bursts of laughter, just being reminded of the moment, is sheer pleasure. Which is why it did not take philosophers and the other greats of the world long enough to find out how serious a role laughter plays in one’s life. Ranging from more social acceptance to increasing one’s own self-confidence by just being able to laugh without a care, laughter is indeed the best medicine for most things in life.


No-Laughable Matter This is -

  • Carefree laughter, resulting from a goofy joke even, releases endorphins, natural chemicals otherwise known as ‘feel-good hormones’ that help one reduce stress levels. Laughter also brings about a sense of well-being.
  • Michael Caine was actually speaking the truth in the Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, where he says laughter is nature’s best pain killer. It boosts immunity and the same endorphins that trigger the feel-good factor, are also found to act on the limbic system of the human body that is associated with the emotions and functions necessary for human survival.
  • Unlike other strenuous workout options, laughter is full-body therapy in the most likeable form. A hearty laugh busts physical and mental tension and leaves the muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes at a time.
  • Emotionally, laughter has always been the most effective in letting out pressures and tensions by taking things down a notch. Laughter dilutes seriousness, helping people to react to situations more amicably, with long-lasting effects.
  • The best of all of its benefits put together, laughter helps your heart stay strong. Considering the various physical expressions through which mirth lets itself out of one’s system, laughter improves the functioning of blood vessels and blood flow, protecting your heart from cardio-vascular problems such as heart attack or blockage of arteries.
  • Laughter also helps you get rid of anxiety, fear and panic and improves your mood. It also makes you more approachable and promotes bonding with others in any given situation.

All the benefits aside, laughter is more of an indulgence that can only be brought about by a positive mind, harbouring pleasant feelings, with an optimistic approach towards things in general, which in turn helps build a good society.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Kaushal M. Bhavsar (MBBS, MD)

Assistant Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad