“Laughter is the best medicine” -- you must have come through this phrase at least once in your life. It is commonly stated that you should laugh often for improved health and overall wellbeing. But can this simple act of laughing affect your physical health, and if yes, how? Let’s find out what doctors and research findings suggest.

• May improve blood flow and blood pressure

Studies suggest that an instant laugh can increase the blood flow throughout the body helping important organs receive better amounts of oxygen. It can also help reduce blood pressure levels, thus, is highly recommended to people with hypertension.

• May boost immunity

According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the number of activated T cells and natural killer cells was more in people who laugh often as compared to those who do not. This further helps boost one’s immunity.

• Reduces stress and anxiety

The same study showed a significant drop in stress-related hormones in people who laugh more. Additionally, another study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B suggested that laughing triggers the release of endorphins i.e. feel-good hormones in the body. This leads to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels.

• Burns calories

Studies suggest that 10-15 minutes of laughing can help burn around 40 calories. Also, the stomach muscles expand and contract while laughing, which further helps tone the abs in a rather enjoyable manner.

• Fights Depression

According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, laughter can help ease most of the symptoms related to depression.

• May improve cardiac health

Since laughter improves blood flow and blood pressure, it boosts the functioning of the heart. By burning calories and temporarily increasing your heart rate, laughter works like a mini cardio workout session. Therefore, laughing for a few minutes every day can improve heart health.

How to Practice Laughing?

• Fake it until you make it: Forced and stimulated laughing sessions are commonly practised by yoga groups and laugh therapy groups. Join one or practice stimulated laughter every day for a few minutes.
• Watch light comedies and entertaining programmes: Prefer watching entertaining shows and comedy movies to get a good laugh at the end of your busy day.
• Laugh with your friends and family: Once in a while, sit with your friends and family to burst your stress. You may initiate a joke, funny stories or memories from the past that make you happy. Laughing with your loved ones can benefit you significantly.
• Develop your sense of humour: Try bringing humour in your otherwise boring conversations such as those with your co-workers.
• Play with kids: Playing with kids can be a great stress buster and radiant positivity. Nurture your inner child and spend some time with kids in your family or neighbourhood.
• Join a comedy club: In addition to giving you a good laugh, watching stand-up comedy and visiting a comedy club can also improve your social skills as you meet new people with the same choices there. This can further ease depression, stress and social anxiety.

The Bottom Line

According to research findings and health experts, laughter can indeed help improve your health in multiple ways. To ensure your overall physical, mental, social and overall wellbeing, get a complete body checkup at HJ Hospitals. You may also visit our internationally-recognised doctors and other health experts to discuss your concerns and seek expert consultation. So, do not neglect your health and schedule an appointment today.