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12 Amazing Benefits Of Laughter!

We have probably been hearing the phrase ”Laughter is the best medicine”, ever since our school days and it was then that we put it into practice laughing a hundred times a day. With all the stresses and tensions that surround our growing up into adults, laughter seems to have become infrequent and life more serious. We often forget that laughter is actually an antidote to this very stress, pain and conflict which works the fastest to ease our minds and bodies. Humour not only elevates our mood but also increases our focus and alertness. It connects us with those around us, releases our anger and allows us to forgive sooner. And the best part it’s free, fun and easy to use.

Health Advantages of Laughter:

  1. It builds up your immune system: A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggested that people who laugh often show a decrease of stress-related hormones and an increase in the number of activated T cells and natural killer cells, both of which boost the immune system.
  2. Laughing instantaneously increases blood flow to the all-important organ of the human body – The Heart.
  3. According to a 2011 study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, researchers found that the simple act of laughing which releases the feel-good endorphins into the body along with the deep breaths helps relax the muscles and aids in pain relief.
  4. Laughter is powerful as it helps burn calories. Researchers have found that laughing for about 10-15 minutes a day, helps burn approximately 40 calories. All the more reason to laugh regularly!
  5. It lowers your blood pressure and helps your blood vessels to function better.
  6. It decreases stress and anxiety.
  7.  It helps fight depression. Although you may not feel like it, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that laughter helps ease your symptoms.
  8. Laughter may possibly prolong your life. People with a good sense of humour outlived others who don’t laugh nearly as much, according to a Norwegian study. For cancer patients, the difference was very noticeable.
  9. Laughing benefits the immune system. It reduces stress hormones while increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, boosting overall infection resistance.
  10. One of the ways your body may effectively regulate cortisol is through laughter. Laughing boosts oxygen intake, which improves blood circulation and lowers cortisol levels.
  11. A good belly laugh works out the diaphragm, the abdomen, and even the shoulders, leaving the muscles more relaxed afterwards. It also gives your heart an excellent workout. Laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on the exercise bike.
  12. Laughter causes your lungs to expel more air than they take in, which has a cleansing effect similar to deep breathing. This is especially beneficial for patients who have respiratory problems, such as asthma.

From what I have gathered based on studies, I can say that laughter may hold remarkable benefits for your well-being. It has been found that laughter may have the ability to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels while simultaneously increasing levels of HDL, often referred to as the ‘good’ cholesterol.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Social Benefits of Laughter:

A study I came across, discovered that laughter might have a significant inhibitory effect on the rise in blood glucose after a meal in patients with diabetes. Attending a comedy show resulted in lower blood glucose levels compared to a monotonous lecture. This suggests that laughter might help regulate blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes, emphasising the importance of incorporating laughter into their daily routine.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Ways You can bring Laughter in your life:

  1. Smile: It is the beginning of laughter. Practice smiling. Instead of being lost on your phone, look up, smile at the people you pass on the streets, the person serving you your coffee or a co-worker you meet in the elevator. Like laughter, a smile is contagious too. You will see the effect it has. Read more about the benefits of smiling.
  2. Count your blessings: Think of all the positive aspects of your life. This will help block all the negative thoughts.
  3. When you hear laughter, move towards it.
  4. Surround yourself with fun, playful people. Be around people who have the ability to laugh at themselves as well as life’s absurdities. Such people find humour in everyday things. Their energy and playful attitude are contagious.
  5. Bring Humor into your conversation.
  6. Stimulated laughter can be just as beneficial as real laughter. Join a laugh yoga or laugh therapy group.  Hearing others laugh, even for no apparent reason, often triggers genuine laughter.
  7. Try to find laughter in a serious situation. When confronted with a dangerous or difficult situation, experts advise adjusting your perspective. If you can shift your perspective to a more optimistic one and find humour in more serious circumstances, you’ll be better able to combat the tension and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the negativity and stress of it all. Make the problem appear less serious to make it simpler to find a solution.

I might have some great news to share! According to a study, it has been found that laughter, beyond just being a distraction, might actually reduce how sensitive you are to discomfort. This means that laughter may have the potential to be a valuable strategy to reduce discomfort in medical settings.

Dr. Smita Barode, BAMS

Create Opportunities to Laugh: 

  1. Watch comedy movies, shows and videos.
  2. Read funny stories.
  3. Invite your friends or family to a comedy club.
  4. Play with a child.
  5. Do something silly.

Develop Your Sense of Humour:

  1. Learn to laugh at yourself.
  2. Remember funny things, jokes, stories. Write them down or best, share them with people.
  3. Attempt to laugh at situations.
  4. Keep out the negative people and thoughts.
  5. Nurture your inner child. Laugh at ordinary things.
  6. Don’t go a day without laughing. Like exercise, meditation and food, make it a conscious effort to laugh every day.

The ability to laugh, enjoy and have fun benefits you in more than one way. It helps you solve problems, connect with others and also increases your creativity. When depression haunts your mind, life problems weigh you down and you take life too seriously. It is difficult to think out of the box, laughter takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive and joyful perspective.

Also Read: 7 Different Relaxation Techniques for De-stressing

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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Benefits of Laughter: Laugh Your Way Into A Long And Healthy Life!

Laughter is the most delightful sound in the world. Humans have been laughing since before they learned how to talk. Apart from conveying to people that you’re in a jubilant mood, there are also many health benefits of laughter.  Read on to know why you will live longer if you break into frequent peals of laughter.

1. Laughing relieves stress

You might have experienced it plenty of times yourself. Once you give in to a belly laugh, you will see your worries miraculously disappear. This is because laughter counteracts stress hormones such as cortisol. The more you laugh, the more your stress levels will drop.

Stress is something that our lifestyles will not allow us to escape. But, it is at the root of a tonne of disorders and can even prove to be fatal. So, to win the war against stress, laugh!

 2. Lowers Blood Pressure

If you have a case of hypertension, then laughter is a necessity. There have been plenty of studies that have proven beyond doubt that laughter can drag down your pressure. And in fact, if you laugh frequently and throughout the day, your blood pressure will stabilize.

 3. Protects your Heart

Another advantage of laughter is that it is a great workout for your heart. So, even if you can’t squeeze in time for an intense exercise schedule, make time for some laughter because it’s an excellent form of cardio. It makes your heart beat faster and pump more blood. Laughter boosts blood circulation and thus cleans out arteries of all plaque. A good laugh is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your heart in prime condition.

  4. Strengthens your T Cells

T Cells are the bedrock of your immunity. They are responsible for hunting down bacterial or viral cells that may trigger an illness. Your laughter activates these cells and this is how the simple and effortless act of laughing can bolster your immunity and help you fight off diseases.

 5. It will make you happy

A heartfelt guffaw not only eradicates stress but also goes a step further and actually makes you happy. Laughter signals the brain to release endorphins- the happy hormone. Endorphins not only promote a feel-good feeling but can relieve chronic pain.

  6. Kills Belly Fat

While laughter cannot be an alternative to exercise, it does its part in the fight against obesity– a killer. When you laugh, your tummy muscles contract and expand. This is a very effective tummy-trimming workout.

Laughter is one activity that has absolutely no adverse impact on your health. So, go on, laugh your heart out and stay healthy.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Laugh Your Way To Good Health With Papa CJ!

With a fast-paced lifestyle comes loads of mental stress and physical ailments. While we can’t prevent everything that happens to us, we do have control over our mental health. Smile and laughter not only improves your face value but also does a lot for your mental health.

Laughter is definitely a powerful way to enhance the quality of your life if not an answer to all your problems. It brings about a range of physical and mental benefits. Though most of us may have heard about laughter being the best medicine, we scarcely put it to use in the real life. Let us understand all about humour as a way to improve your physical and mental health from the laughter expert, Papa CJ.

Papa CJ is a world-renowned stand-up comedian and has won awards for both Asia’s and India’s Best Stand-up Comedian. He is the only Indian comedian to have shot his own solo special with Comedy Central Asia. Forbes Magazine called him ‘the global face of Indian stand-up’ and Toastmaster International called him one of the most influential comedians around the world. Papa CJ is a certified Laughter Yogi and has helped people with physical and mental ailments seek relief through humour and laughter. His Papa CJ Happiness Project is a proactive global initiative through which he helps charitable organizations raise funds by performing without a fee.

Read on about his take on humour for health and how it has helped people improve their physical and mental health in real-time. 

Laughter-The Best Medicine 

A healthy lifestyle starts with a healthy body and soul and this is only possible if you lead a stress-free life. What better way to be stress-free then a regular dose of laughter? While humour is something that is available everywhere, laughter is not something that would come naturally to everyone. For those of you for whom laughter is not a natural process, it is advisable that you treat it as an everyday regime and treat it like a new year resolution which you intend to keep and be committed to.

”Treat it as a goal and commit doing it regularly”

There are countless instances of people with physical ailments finding relief through a regular dose of laughter. Norman Cousins (1915 to 1990), longtime editor of the Saturday Review, global peacemaker, the receiver of hundreds of awards including the UN Peace Medal and nearly fifty honorary doctorate degrees, overcame a life-threatening disease and a massive coronary, each time using his own nutritional and emotional support protocol. Cousin’s seminal book ‘Anatomy of an Illness’ details his healing journey overcoming Ankylosing spondylitis (a degenerative disease causing the breakdown of collagen).

Laughter not only helps the ailing patients but also their families and caregivers who go through mental stress and physical strain every day taking care of them. When laughter couples with your regular medicines, there is no big disease that can go undefeated.

”By laughing and sharing your problems with others, you’ll learn that you are not alone in the challenges you face and hopefully that will give you the strength to face them.”

As human beings, we tend to build brick walls around us to hide our emotions and to look strong. Humour is the only key that can unlock all your emotions and expose you to all your vulnerabilities and pain. Only when you know what you are not the only one with problems, pain or ailments will you be able to see the bigger picture and help yourself.

Laughter Yoga for Mental Health

Laughter yoga essentially combines laughter with the breathing exercises of yoga. The body cannot differentiate between fake laughter and real laughter. What starts off as fake laughter as an exercise in a group is quickly turned into real laughter through eye contact and playfulness. There has been an increase in the amount of stress and mental strain due to the fast lifestyle and work pressure. It has thus become very important that you understand the impact of stress on your health and how much you can benefit from a regular dose of humour.

Papa CJ offers two pieces of advice for people suffering from mental health issues:

  1. The first piece of advice is to people with mental health conditions which is to seek professional help.
  2. The second piece of advice is to a broader audience and that is to recognize that mental health is not a joke.

While the first step to treat any mental ailment must be to seek professional medical help, laughter can definitely help regain mental health and make you more confident and motivated. Laughter Yoga is a newer and more practical approach to treating mental ailments using a combination of laughter combined with various breathing exercises. The regime might start with fake laughter and would ensue into a more genuine one as it progresses.

”The body cannot differentiate between fake laughter and real laughter, so it gets the benefits regardless of whether the laughter is real or fake.”

Mental health is not something that should be taken lightly, ignored or suppressed. However, due to the social stigma associated with mental health, we tend to either suppress it or ignore the symptoms until it is too late. Laughter might not be a fool-proof treatment for mental ailments, but it definitely helps the patient feel better and diverted from the condition and also brings about positive physical changes in the body that could help you improve your overall health and feel more alive.

Following are some benefits of Laughter Yoga on your mental health:

Conclusion

Humour and laughter goes a long way in your physical and mental well-being and must be a critical part of your everyday routine. Your laughter regime may be spontaneous or just another exercise routine, but to stay healthy, you must laugh. The greatest charity is to empathize and understand those that are ailing and help them benefit from humour and laughter. Laughter not only cures the ailing but also opens you up to your vulnerabilities, stress and all your hidden emotions and helps you understand yourself and pave the way to overall health and fitness of both body and soul.

The smallest good deed is greater than the grandest intention so do whatever little you can”

Also Read: 11 Health Benefits of Laughing

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.