Laugh Your Way to Better Health

By: Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services
Sunday, February 25, 2018

Have you ever enjoyed a really great laugh and thought, “Wow, I needed that!”  Little did you know you how much you really did because laughter, says emerging evidence, is indeed good medicine.

A laugh relaxes the body and stimulates endorphins, promoting a feeling of well-being that helps us look at stressful or unhappy situations in a new light.

One study from the National Institutes of Health revealed that laughter stimulates the brain to counteract depressive symptoms, improving the quality of life and resilience in hospital patients. And while a good sense of humor isn’t a cure-all, research supports that laughter does indeed have healing and restorative properties. Some of the benefits of a good chuckle include:

  • Relieves tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes
  • Boosts your immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies
  • Protects your heart by improving blood vessel function and increasing blood flow
  • Helps shift your outlook intense or stressful situations so you fell less overwhelmed
  • Reduces pain and aids the healing process
  • Strengthens relationships with others by forming a common bond

So how can you add some laughs into your day? Follow these tips—it’s easier than you think!

  • Spend time with friends who make you laugh.
  • Decorate your office or living space with items that make you chuckle. A humorous picture or card can perk you up when you’re feeling down.
  • Watch a classic funny movie or TV show.
  • Go to a comedy club.
  • Read the comics or buy a joke book.
  • Watch funny YouTube videos.
  • Switch your car’s radio to a comedy station.

No matter how busy you are or how many stresses you face in the day, it’s important to let yourself go and find humor in the little things. Those small, short moments can result in a major positive impact on your outlook and mood. So, start laughing! You won't regret it.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

How to Sort Through Your Departed Loved One’s Belongings and Keep their Memory Alive

Going through a loved one’s belongings after they have passed away is often difficult but you can make the process easier. Just as there is no right way to grieve, there is no specific time that y...

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Knowing The Warning Signs Could Save Your Life.

This year, recognize Stroke Awareness Month by learning more about stroke prevention and detection. When it comes to strokes, every second counts! Nearly two million brain cells die each minute a ...

If You Can’t Sleep, These Seven Surprising Culprits Might Be to Blame

Do you find yourself lying awake in bed or tossing and turning all night? If you can’t sleep, these sneaky slumber thieves could be the cause. Sleep disorders affect an estimated 33% of Americans....

How Much Do You Know About Senior Home Safety?

While familiar surroundings can be comforting as we grow older, home safety measures require extra attention. Changes that come with the aging process like declining vision, hearing, and bone dens...

Honor Your Departed Loved One with These Creative Outdoor Memorial Ideas

Outdoor memorial ideas can range from basic stones to elaborate gardens. Finding a special way to pay tribute to a departed loved one can bring great comfort. Think about the one who passed on and...

It’s Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Here are Seven Important Things to Know.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million adults in the United States and those numbers are growing. MS is both a complex disease of the central nervous system and an autoimmune condition. ...

Do You Know the Rules for Legally Scattering Ashes?

As more and more people choose cremation, questions about legally scattering ashes are on the rise, too.   Ash scattering has become an increasingly popular way to remember the departed. It p...

Four Important Things to Know About the Tax Issues When Losing a Spouse in Pennsylvania

The tax issues when losing a spouse in Pennsylvania are varied and complex. Losing a spouse or life partner is challenging on many levels. In addition to the deep emotional grief and personal loss...

Hobbies and Five Other Activities That Can Help Create a Healthier Brain

Can a healthier brain be as close as your chessboard? The experts say yes. As we age, the structure of the brain changes, which can adversely affect memory and cognition. It can be challenging to ...

Six Helpful Tips for Discussing Your Funeral Plans with Your Family

The most crucial conversations are often the hardest, and discussing your funeral plans with loved ones is a prime example. Talking about your funeral preferences with a spouse, parent, or child i...