Humor Promotes Healing: Laughter Is the Best Medicine
It’s hard to laugh when you are in pain, especially when the symptoms are overpowering your thoughts and making it hard to get through the day. But, did you know that laughter can start a chain reaction of responses in the body that can help with healing and pain management?
There is truth to the age-old saying laughter is the best medicine. As you are making lifestyle modifications to support your healing, consider the benefits of adding a little humor into your life.
The Science of Laughter
Tickling your funny bone doesn’t only lighten the mood, but there are many functions that are stimulated in the body when you laugh. For example, laughter promotes catecholamines, which play a role in the release of endorphins in the body. These “feel good” chemicals can boost elation and also reduce pain.
In fact, some researchers have suggested that an excellent laughing session is like an internal workout for your body. The responses that happen inside are similar to what happens when you are exercising. It’s possible that “laughercise” can help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.
On a psychological level, laughter helps to generate positive emotions, which enhances hope in the situation. Feeling hope amidst chronic health conditions can be the bright light that gets you through the most challenging days.
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Health Benefits of Laughter
Even if you can’t muster a genuine laugh, just thinking about laughter or faking a laugh can promote health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and supporting the immune system. Here are the many benefits you can enjoy from getting a dose of laughter in your day:
- Boost oxygen intake
- Balance the circulatory system
- Regulate blood pressure
- Stimulate the lungs and heart
- Lift energy
- Improve immune function
- Relax muscles throughout the body
- Boost mental processes
- Increase natural killer cells for cancer defense
- Relieve anxiety
You might overlook the nuanced ways that laughter impacts your health. But adding a bit of humor to your lifestyle can be an essential step in supporting your overall health goals.
Simple Strategies for Laughter Each Day
Look for small ways that you can include humor and laughter into your lifestyle. Everyone has a unique sense of humor, which is why it’s crucial to identify the things that you enjoy the most. Consider these ideas:
- Children: Spending time around young children can be a great way to enjoy yourself because their laughter is contagious. Start a tickle war or read a funny storybook together.
- Comedy: A quick search online will uncover a variety of comedy routines and videos. Watch funny cat videos or ask your friends to send a meme if you need something to chuckle about.
- Music: When you have a moment alone in the car, crank up your favorite song, and sing at the top of your lungs. It’s hard not to have a smile on your face when you are listening to good music.
- Movies: If you want a Netflix binge, then skip the drama and horror categories. Instead, check out the comedy section to find something that will make you laugh.
At Back On Track Integrative Wellness, Inc., we take a holistic approach to improve your health from the inside out. Schedule an appointment so we can address the various lifestyle modifications that can support your wellness: (916) 782-3141.
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The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Dr. Todd W. Bunning, DC, PC
Dr. Todd W. Bunning’s chiropractic and functional medicine services reach far beyond the local Roseville area, with webcam consultations available for patients in any location. With over 20 years of Private Practice experience, Dr. Todd continues to focus on the individual: science-based methods to address whole-body health factors.
Dr. Todd’s education didn’t stop when he graduated from Life West Chiropractic College in 2003. Today, he’s continuing to receive training and is chipping away on numerous post-graduate degree programs. This unique blend of clinical health investigation and Lifestyle Medicine application helps people of all ages find the underlying factors that result in chronic disease.