Habit Number Five – Laughter
It’s no joke- Laughter is REALLY good for you.
Laughing and expressing joy truly has incredible health benefits and I’ve made it a part of my weekly rhythm to find the fun in the mundane.
Studies suggest that healthy children laugh as much as 400 times a day. Adults? A meagre 15 times a day. Isn’t that so sad? As adults we need to model to our children that joy and laughter is normal, not the occasional moment.
We’ve all heard the saying that laughter is the best medicine. There is total truth in that statement and here’s why:
- Laughter regulates our hormones
When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins which in turn reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and epinephrine (adrenaline). Laughter supports our body in producing antibodies which means a stronger immune system and a healthier life.
- Laughter boosts the production of immune cell
Research shows that experiencing laughter and humour boosts our body’s ability to produce cells that help our immunity, preventing sickness and disease.
- Laughter supports a healthy brain, heart, and gut
When we laugh, we move our minds from a stressed-out mode towards a state of parasympathetic activation, aka the relaxation response. When we’re in this modus of operation, we’re better problem solvers, teammates, innovators and communicators.
When our minds operate from this parasympathetic mode, it positively effects our heart- both physically and emotionally. And when our head and hearts are aligned and nourished with positivity, our entire system including our digestion (which is the foundation of our health), thrives.
- Laughter Oxygenates your Blood
Laughing causes you to take in big gulps of air, bringing in fresh oxygen to your body and blood- an essential requirement for healthy bodies.
So now we know some of the health benefits of laughing. Here’s 5 ways you can include the habit of laughter in your life:
- Laugh intentionally (Habits require intentionality)
- Play with your kids and laugh with them
- Have some fun game nights with your family (or friends).
- Start a Pinterest Board of things that make you laugh
- Laugh over the “spilled milk” so to speak. (When you spill your coffee, give a chuckle)
