5 Scientific Reasons Why Laughter Really is The Best Medicine

It’s not only fun to share a good laugh with your friends but it can also help you improve your overall health. Laughter is perhaps the most powerful weapon we have to fight back stress and anxiety. There is nothing that can compare with watching a funny comedy at the end of a busy and stressing day at work.

But how exactly laughing can help with improving your health? Here are 5 scientific reasons why laughter is really the best medicine for your body and brain.

1. Laughing releases endorphins

You are probably familiar with the meaning of the chemicals called endorphins. Whenever people promote working out, they underline the fact that physical activity helps your brain release endorphins which promotes a positive feeling in the body. Laughing has the very same effect on your body and triggers endorphin-releasing in your brain.

Yes, you can feel happy even if you don’t work out for hours in the gym. All you have to do is to watch a few funny videos or a good comedy. All jokes aside, it is also vital to be physically active at least 30 minutes every day. So, if you ever feel too stressed, share a good laugh with your loved ones and you will start feeling euphoria.

2. Laughing can lead to social bonds

So, you have heard about the fact that yawning is contagious making people who see someone yawning to do it too. Yet, did it ever occur to you that laughter is just as contagious as yawning is? According to scientific studies, it is both contagious and a great way to create social bonds with the people that surround you.

The endorphin effect that is described above is very powerful in social laughter promoting togetherness and safety inside a group. Our brains are programmed to trigger mirror responses to the emotions we see displayed in front of our eyes. Thus, if the person in front of you cries, you will also start feeling sad. But, if they laugh, sooner or later, you will also get amused and start feeling a sense of euphoria thanks to the release of endorphins.

3. Laughing relaxes your entire body

Are you at the end of a very stressing day at work which left you with all your body tensed? Watch a good comedy and you will start feeling how your entire body is relaxing. According to medical studies, laughter can help you reveal physical stress and tension and this effect will last up to 45 minutes after.

4. Laughing helps you burn calories

No need to mention that there is no replacement for going to the gym to stay fit and have a healthy body. Yet, laughing can help you burn off some calories too. Medical specialists claim that laughing for at least 10 to 15 minutes every day can help your body burn almost up to 40 calories.

5. Laughing helps you have a healthy heart

When you laugh, your blood flow increases as the function of blood vessels improves. It has been found that laughing as often as possible can help you protect your heart from heart attacks or other cardiovascular conditions.

There is nothing better than a good laugh after a difficult long day. Plus, it is the best way to relieve stress, anxiety, and keep your body healthy.