Laughter Is the Best Medicine – and Exercise Too?

Two years ago I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology – Life Coaching. I only mention it because I am 59 years old and want to say, “Go for it ladies!” Don’t let age stop you from anything you want to accomplish! I had to do a video presentation for my Communications class and I chose to do it on LAUGHTER is the best medicine! Where would I be without it? How about you?

laughter is the best medicine

OK, OK! Seriously now. My video presentation was entitled “Laughter is Medicinal.” I’m sure you have heard that it is the BEST medicine. But did you know that it is great EXERCISE too?!? Yes! Let me tell you the facts! How does laughing make you feel?  Can you remember a time when you laughed so hard your belly hurt, your throat constricted and tears ran down your face?  According to the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and studies done at the Univelaughter is the best medicinersity of Maryland, these responses, along with others, hold many health benefits.  Now for the facts!

Laughter Is the Best Medicine…                                …….. and EXERCISE Too!

1) It reduces stress hormones, which boosts the           immune system.

2) While laughing, natural killer cells, called T-cells and B-cells, are increased. They destroy tumors and viruses in the body.

3) It protects the heart. Researchers have determined that laughing 100 times is equal to riding a bike for 15 minutes – cardiovascular exercise! This explains why you are often tired after a good laugh. So… a minute of laughing or 15 minutes on a bike?

4) When you laugh, blood receives oxygen; so, blood flow is increased and blood pressure is lowered.

5) Laughter is healing for the mind and emotions. It adds joy and zest to life!

6) Laughing can provide the needed release when we find ourselves overloaded with negative emotions such as anger, stress, sadness or fear.

7)  It promotes a feeling of well-being and can reduce pain. Helpguide.org states, “Laughing releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.”

8) Laughter is related to making and strengthening our human connections.  It feels good to laugh with people. It adds to our sense of well-being.

laughter is the best medicineI can personally attest to the healing power of laughter.  I had a volatile upbringing, but somehow, humor became an integral part of my life.  I was voted ‘class clown’ and ‘wittiest’ in my senior year of high school in 1975 and MC’d a few comedy fund raisers.  I know firsthand that laughter holds great medicinal value.

In closing, I’d like to quote Patch Adams, a medical doctor who uses humor in his care of patients. “Remember laughing? Laughter enhances the blood flow to the body’s extremities and improves cardiovascular function. Laughter releases endorphins and other natural mood elevating and pain-killing chemicals, improves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to internal organs.  Laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off disease and cancer cells, as well as viral, bacterial and other infections.”

So Ladies… One minute of laughing, or 15 minutes on a bike? Your choice! Laughter is the Best Medicine – and Exercise Too! By the way, if you haven’t seen Patch Adams with Robin Williams, it’s a must see! So Laugh! And…

Thrive! OK?

successful aging and the choices

http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/otheremotions/laughter.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch_Adams

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lynnsamuelson
lynnsamuelson
7 years ago

I love it! As a 55 year old woman I have lots to laugh and sometimes cry about but I definitely prefer laughter. I know that laughter is good for the soul and clearly it makes me more fun to be around but I’d never heard of these added physical benefits. I’d take a day of laughter over a day at the gym hands down:)
I’d love to learn more about this. Have you written any ebooks or is there any other reading that you’d recommend?

Robin
Robin
7 years ago
Reply to  lynnsamuelson

Hi Lynn! Thanks for stopping by and yes, emotions are running in our fifties! So many changes taking place and exactly what you said… laugh? cry? If we don’t learn to laugh, we’re in for some problems! I still remember my son (6 years old at the time) asked, “Mom, why are old people so grouchy?” Of course I told him not ALL old people are grouchy, and vowed I would do everything in my power not to be one of them. It’s hard at times. Looking in the mirror and seeing things saggin’ and draggin’ and crinklin’ and wrinklin’!!… Read more »

Arlene
Arlene
7 years ago

Truth be told, I feel better now, at 68, then I have in decades. The greatest present I have received is utilizing the Silver Sneakers program offered at the YMCA. It has helped me to regain love of movement, both of body and of mind. And laughter, for me, is the best medicine 🙂

Sarah
Sarah
7 years ago

I love hour site! The look is lovely and the posts are wonderful. I’m 48 and love to see a positive, encouraging focus. It’s so so true about laughter and those are some fascinating little facts! I’ll keep checking back! Great work!

Rae Anne Pond
7 years ago

Very cool! I had to really laugh when I was those poor chocolate bunnies. I shared your website with my fiancé. This is a great website, I have it bookmarked.

Robin
Robin
7 years ago

Yes, I believe it makes us feel free! Laughter is like medicine as I talked about. We certainly need it with everything that goes on in average, daily life. Unfortunately, there are still people today who believe God is against laughter. What? Every good thing comes from Him, and laughter is certainly good! Blessings, Robin

Bri
Bri
7 years ago

Personally I find it hysterical that we have to be reminded or invited to laugh these days?! Ever since my son was born, I feel the urge to make him laugh all the time, his laughter, and children’s laughter in general is the very best. And most likely, I am making a complete fool of myself to make him laugh, which makes me giggle every single time! I love this article thanks for sharing! Take the time to find the humor every single day in this life!!!

Robin
Robin
7 years ago
Reply to  Bri

Thanks for commenting Bri and yes, there’s nothing like a baby’s laughter to fill a person with joy unspeakable! As you can see, laughter holds a lot of benefits, so keep it up! Blessings, Robin

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