The feeling of laughter is lovely. It is the epitome of a joyful sound. We have all heard the adage that 'laughter is the best medicine', but you may be surprised to realise that this saying holds some serious scientific truth.
Laughter is a connection. When you share laughter with another person, it ignites a sense of togetherness and triggers a positive emotional change in your body. But more than that, it is good for your physical health as well: laughter loosens stress and tension in your body and triggers the release of endorphins which are the body’s natural 'feel good' hormone. This boosts your immune system and can lower your feelings of stress. Laughter can also have a positive impact on the health of your heart, with blood pressure being improved and cardiac health being boosted by a good giggle.
One psychological study suggests that 'healthy children may laugh as much as 400 times a day, whereas adults tend to only laugh 15 times'. So, step to it and don’t become someone who used to laugh. Seek out opportunities to laugh, surround yourself with people who you love to laugh with and laugh without self-consciousness. There is nothing more beautiful than a face lit up with genuine laughter. We could all use a little more laughter in our lives; it is good for the wellbeing of your mind and your body.
