Having a healthy sense of humour can help us deal with many life challenges. It can be very powerful and it is an often overlooked tool in our busy world.
During times of economic, social, political and health problems, we need a safe, pleasant way to manage our life and maintain our health. In fact, research has shown that through challenging times, laughter contributes to the most positive outcomes. Humour and laughter not only entertain us but they also enhance the physical, psychological and social aspects of our well-being.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- exercises your diaphragm – you take in more air and stimulate your lungs.
- relieves physical tension in your muscles
- improves vascular functioning – improves your heart health
- lowers your blood pressure
- brings comfort and eases physical pain – endorphin-release are natural pain-killers
- lifts your mood
- improves sleep quality
- boosts the immune system – increases natural anti-bodies
- reduces stress – lessens cortisol release within our body
- improves memory – increases memory retention
Sharing a laugh with others creates bonds between people. It creates more positive communications between humans. It has the ability to diffuse tension and relax the other person, while also calming yourself. Thus, laughter will not only bring great health benefits your way, but will also add so much to other people’s lives. It greatly adds to their well-being and their mood will be improved and happier than before you made them laugh.
Humor is sacred. If you can laugh at yourself, then you can forgive yourself. And, if you can forgive yourself, you can easily forgive others. Humour goes beyond the physical, psycholgical and social realm. It truly connects with our understanding of ourselves and others. Humor is integral for empathy, compassion and forgiveness.
So go ahead, laugh and enjoy all the many benefits it can bring to your life and others’. During trying times, humor can help us cope with anxiety, fear and grief. Let it be there for you, whenever or wherever you are needing a lift, or just keep it always there within you as a constant friend and reminder of your healthy reflection and outlook on life.
