How can laughing improve your health

The ability to laugh, play, and have fun not only makes life more enjoyable but also helps you solve problems, connect with others, and think more creatively. People who incorporate humor and play into their daily lives find that it renews them and all of their relationships. Life brings challenges that can either get the best of you or become playthings for your imagination.

But when you play with the problem, you can often transform it into an opportunity for creative learning. Playing with problems seems to come naturally to children. When they are confused or afraid, they make their problems into a game, giving them a sense of control and an opportunity to experiment with new solutions. Interacting with others in playful ways helps you retain this creative ability.

Here are two examples of people who took everyday problems and turned them around through laughter and play:. Roy , a semi-retired businessman, was excited to finally have time to devote to golf, his favorite sport. But the more he played, the less he enjoyed himself. Although his game had improved dramatically, he got angry with himself over every mistake. Roy wisely realized that his golfing buddies affected his attitude, so he stopped playing with people who took the game too seriously.

When he played with friends who focused more on having fun than on their scores, he was less critical of himself. Now golfing was as enjoyable as Roy had envisioned.

He scored better without working harder. And the brighter outlook he was gaining from his companions and the game spread to other parts of his life. Jane worked at home designing greeting cards, a job she used to love but now felt had become routine. Two little girls who loved to draw and paint lived next door. Eventually, Jane invited the girls over to play with all of her art supplies.

At first, she just watched, but in time she joined in. Not only did it end her loneliness and boredom, but it sparked her imagination and helped her artwork flourish.

As laughter, humor, and play become integrated into your life, your creativity will flourish and new opportunities for laughing with friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and loved ones will occur to you daily. Laughter takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, and joyful perspective. This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support. So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments.

Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled. Cookie Policy. Learn how to harness the powerful benefits of laughter and humor. Laughter is good for your health Laughter relaxes the whole body. The Benefits of Laughter and Humor Physical health benefits Boosts immunity Lowers stress hormones Decreases pain Relaxes your muscles Prevents heart disease Mental health benefits Adds joy and zest to life Eases anxiety and tension Relieves stress Improves mood Strengthens resilience Social benefits Strengthens relationships Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Helps defuse conflict Promotes group bonding Laughter helps you stay mentally healthy Laughter makes you feel good.

The link between laughter and mental health Laughter stops distressing emotions. How laughing together can strengthen relationships Shared laughter is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting. Humor and laughter in relationships allows you to: Be more spontaneous. Release inhibitions. Your fear of holding back is pushed aside. Use humor to resolve disagreements and tension in your relationship Laughter is an especially powerful tool for managing conflict and reducing tension when emotions are running high.

Additionally, the reduction of stress hormones may result in higher immune system performance. Just think: Laughing along as a co-worker tells a funny joke can relieve some of the day's stress and help you reap the health benefits of laughter.

One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone your abs. When you are laughing, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to when you intentionally exercise your abs. Meanwhile, the muscles you are not using to laugh are getting an opportunity to relax.

Add laughter to your ab routine and make getting a toned tummy more enjoyable. Laughter is a great cardio workout, especially for those who are incapable of doing other physical activity due to injury or illness. It gets your heart pumping and burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace. So, laugh your heart into health. Laughter isn't just a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long term.

Laughter may:. Are you afraid that you have an underdeveloped — or nonexistent — sense of humor? No problem. Humor can be learned. In fact, developing or refining your sense of humor may be easier than you think.

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Find a way to laugh about your own situations and watch your stress begin to fade away. Even if it feels forced at first, practice laughing. It does your body good. Consider trying laughter yoga. In laughter yoga, people practice laughter as a group. Laughter is forced at first, but it can soon turn into spontaneous laughter.

Go ahead and give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Once you've had your chuckle, take stock of how you're feeling.

Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel more relaxed or buoyant? That's the natural wonder of laughing at work. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Front Psychol. Humor, laughter, learning, and health! A brief review. Adv Physiol Educ.

Skinner N, Brewer N. The dynamics of threat and challenge appraisals prior to stressful achievement events. J Pers Soc Psychol. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind.

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