Many studies have shown that regular laughter presents a number of profound health benefits in both the short-term and the long-term[1]<\/sup> \u2014 which isn\u2019t surprising. After all, there\u2019s a reason we seek out things which make us laugh. It feels good<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The University of Basel in Switzerland recently found that regardless of intensity, laughter (or even just smiling) can reduce stress symptoms[2]<\/sup> \u2014 which is just one of many health profound benefits it can provide not only in the short-term, but in the long-term as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physically, laughter actually increases your intake of oxygen-rich air which stimulates your muscles -as well as crucial organs like your heart and lungs – and increases the production of stress-relieving endorphins in your brain[1]<\/sup>. At the same time, it promotes circulation in your body which can help your muscles to relax[1]<\/sup>. Sounds nice, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long-term, laughter helps strengthen your immune system through stimulating the production of chemicals called neuropeptides<\/em>[1]<\/sup>. These chemicals not only fight stress, but act as natural painkillers for your body[1]<\/sup>. Incredible, right? Similarly, for those suffering from anxiety and\/or depression, regular laughter may actually help to improve your mood and boost your self-esteem[1]<\/sup>. There\u2019s never been a better reason to laugh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, there are many great ways to do this[<\/sup>3<\/sup>]<\/sup>[<\/sup>4<\/sup>]<\/sup>. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, how are you going to incorporate more laughter into your life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n [1] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021). \u201cStress relief from laughter? It’s no joke.\u201d Mayo Clinic<\/em>. Retrieved 9 September 2021, from https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/stress-management\/in-depth\/stress-relief\/art-20044456<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [2] University of Basel. (2020). <\/em>\u201cLaughter acts as a stress buffer \u2013 and even smiling helps.\u201d Unibas.ch<\/em>. Retrieved 9 September 2021, from https:\/\/www.unibas.ch\/en\/News-Events\/News\/Uni-Research\/Laughter-acts-as-a-stress-buffer—and-even-smiling-helps.html<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [3] Robinson, L. (2021). \u201cLaughter is the Best Medicine.\u201d HelpGuide.org.<\/em> Retrieved 9 September 2021, from https:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/articles\/mental-health\/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nShort-term effects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Long-term effects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to add more laughter to your life<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
References<\/h5>\n\n\n\n