Benefits of Laughing

Laughter may represent a recognition of good jokes, tickling a physical reaction, frustrated your favorite team play poorly or nervousness of a first date. Whatever the reason for laughter, a lot of research supports the benefits to both internal and external body.

As our children lots of laughs. About 300 times a day is the norm. However, as we grow older and experience more pressure in life and become more aware of social attitudes, political and environmental level of our laughter fell all the way to a miserable 15 times a day, if that.

When we laugh our brain releases chemicals called endorphins that improve our overall mood and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Therefore, while laughter may be a sign that we are happy it is more accurate to say that laughter makes happy. The great thing is that our body can not differentiate between fake and real laughter and will release the same positive effect with both. So, even if you feel you do not laugh about - it anyway.

Laughter provides for a great workout. You can work your abdominal muscles, the diaphragm, the muscles of the face, respiratory system and back. You will know how well you've been working this after the session laugh constantly - we all feel it. Even exercise can be so strong that researchers have implied that 20 seconds of laughter could be as good for the lungs of three minutes on the rowing machine. It's very good for your facial muscles and reduces facial tension which reduces the formation of wrinkles, thus becoming one of the solutions to the signs of anti-aging. The release of endorphins is well documented as a natural painkiller.

Other studies have pointed to an improved immune system in women, control headaches and heart health benefits. In addition, there is a possibility to help you build relationships and have more career fulfilled.

While the benefits of laughing and having a good sense of humor is well recognized, it is unfortunate that some people just do not see the funny side and can not laugh even 15 times a day. Perhaps the reason is depression, stress or just being too busy laughing, no way could further enhance our mood. Fish oil and St. John's wort has been found to improve mood and increase depression.

Laughter therapy should be built to the schedule of the day - just laugh for no reason everyday. Anything that happens before, after and in between could be considered a bonus but do not try to set aside time for yourself and do something you enjoy that will likely trigger some laughter.