Laughter Strenthens Your Immune System

Experts say laughter is strong medicine for the mind and body. When you’re happy, the body responds in a healthy way. A good laugh, especially a belly laugh, has positive psychological and physiological effects.

Before going further, I have a disclaimer. This is not going to be an immune system 101 course. I’ve mentioned some great references. My intention is to highlight some of positive effects on the immune system as a result of laughter.

Laughter
1. Causes an increase in blood circulation so cells get a boost
of oxygen and nutrients which is much appreciated.
2. Activates the part of the nervous system, that interprets specific
incoming information. It’s responsible for sending
messages to the brain, which result in the release of Beta
Endorphins, natural pain relievers. This promotes an
overall sense of well being. Farmersalmanac.com refers to
this experience as an “attitude of joy”. Holisticonline.com uses
the term “mirthful laughter” to describe this state of wellbeing
that produces healthy or positive emotions.
3. Decreases levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol.
4. Increases Natural Killer, (NK) cells. NK cells play a major role
in the rejection of tumors and defending cells affected by viruses.
5. Increases levels of infection fighting antibodies.
6. Belly laughter compresses organs as the diaphragm contracts,
offering beneficial effects, similar to a massage.

The greatest benefit of laughter is that it is fun, free, painless (for the most part) and has no known adverse side effects.

Now here are some suggestions for increasing the “laughter quotient” in your life. We already know that laughter is contagious, so surround yourself with people who have a great sense of humor and love to laugh. Watch funny movies or TV sitcoms. Norman Cousins adopted this practice daily and it was a huge part of how he cured himself of a life threatening auto-immune disease. He referred to laughter as “internal jogging”. He is the author of “Anatomy of an Illness”.

Why wait? Why try to find time for fun? If you try to find time it probably won’t happen. Schedule time for fun whether or not your life seems majorly stressful. Make it a habit. You could always take a Belly Dance class, play interactive board games or mud wrestle. It’s for “the health of it!” Bernie Siegel, MD is known for saying, “the simple truth is that happy people generally don’t get sick”. Here’s another idea. I discovered a toy called “Chuckling Pet”. Its battery operated and rolls over with laughter. I guarantee it’ll make you laugh.

Observe children playing. It’s described, by some, as “the cure for the common frown”. What is it about children? They take themselves lightly. They are free and happy.

Laugh at yourself. Sometimes, it helps to be reminded that life is too important to be taken seriously.

So, my friends, you really can laugh yourself to a healthy immune system. Doesn’t that sound like fun?

References

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Laughter Strenthens Your Immune System

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