Why is Laughter so good for you?
Laughter is defined as the show of emotion with a chuckle or an explosive sound. It means to find amusement or pleasure in something. It inspires joy.
But Laughter is more than a physical reaction to something amusing; it is no joke that it has positive implications for health and stress relief. Here's why
Laughter temporarily changes your brain activity by stimulating endorphins which are feel-good chemicals in the brain. Endorphins not only provide an all-over feel-good feeling. Endorphins also temporarily block the pain signals. Did you know that besides laughing, exercise and physical activity for pleasure also help to release endorphins
Laughing activates the release of another neurotransmitter called serotonin, which is another happy hormone and consequently the same brain chemical affected by most common anti-depressant medications. Serotonin helps to stabilize mood, produce healthy sleep patterns and stimulate happiness.
Laughter is good for your heart because laughing enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, naturally stimulating your heart and lungs. It also temporarily increases your heart rate and the flow of blood and can give you a boost of energy
Finding something to laugh about every day also produces long-term effects by reducing your propensity to develop chronic stress. Negative emotions can manifest into chemical reactions that lead to chronic, unmanaged stress.
We know that chronic stress causes a myriad of health problems, such as a weakened immune system, chronic inflammation and heart disease
While it is not a replacement for eating healthy and exercising, a good belly laugh can burn calories. 10-15 minutes of laughter throughout the day can burn up to 40 calories. Nothing earth-shattering but beneficial nonetheless
There is a link between laughing and longevity, although the exact sequence has not been determined. There is an association between humour and increased survival rates in individuals that suffer from chronic and life-threatening illnesses
Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner. It is hard to feel anxious, angry or sad when you are laughing
Try to take a more humorous perspective to situations it can have a profound effect on all aspects of your mental and emotional health. You don’t have to be a comedian to laugh more. Laughing is not a talent. It is a habit you work on. Instead, get in the habit of finding humour in everyday situations. Try to reduce the doom scrolling (the tendency to scroll online for all the negative news and watch a silly sitcom to lighten our mood
Did you know Women tend to laugh more than their male counterparts, while men seem to instigate laughter the most—Women typically rate a sense of humour as a top trait for a potential mate. Men tend to rate women who laugh a lot (i.e. laugh at their jokes) higher than those who don't. It's no surprise, then, that couples who laugh together report having higher-quality relationships.
L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found in green tea. It has been used for centuries to promote relaxation without causing any drowsiness. L- Theanine works by decreasing the excitatory brain chemicals that contribute to stress while increasing the brain chemicals that produce relaxation. It is said to be the "Zen" supplement because it quiets the mind. When taken during the day, it helps to take the edge off so you can focus more clearly, whereas taken at night, it helps to produce a state of chill so you can rest. Consider supplements such as Natural Factors Mental Calmness chewable L-Theanine for daytime use and brain focus and Pure Lab Vitamins sustained released L-Theanine for an end-of-day chill
Ashwagandha has a historical history in traditional Ayurvedic Medicine. It contains phytochemicals that act as precursors to the hormones that regulate the stress response in the body. Ashwagandha can act as a mood stabilizer and significantly reduce cortisol levels which. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can have a number of undesirable effects on the human body when produced in excessive amounts
GABA is a natural calming agent of the brain. When we become overwhelmed with stress, the brain typically responds by producing more GABA to produce a more relaxed state, decreasing nervousness, scattered thoughts, and hyperactivity. GABA can improve relaxation without drowsiness and enhance mental focus. GABA also controls stress-related eating & food cravings and can facilitate sleep. We love the Natural Factors Gaba supplements because they come in a few different forms. You can take a yummy chewable throughout the day or a capsule on a more scheduled morning and night routine
Leave a comment