5 Reasons to Laugh More

"Laughter is the best medicine." Surely you've heard that before. Well, scientific studies confirm that good hearty laughter has observable health benefits.

Whether it's after a good joke, spending time with friends and loved ones, or watching your favourite stand-up comedian, everyone has a sense of humour. Unfortunately, many people are so concerned with day-to-day activities, from work to university to running errands, that they often forget to smile or laugh. No, you don't have to start laughing hysterically in public, but a little laughter every day can do a lot of good.

Given that everyone is able to find humour on their own terms, it's of little use to tell you how to laugh, because you yourself ought to know what you find humourous. In any case, there are so many benefits to laughing that it really can make your life more satisfying and meaningful.

Here are a few reasons why you should laugh every day.

1. Lowers Stress

Stress hormones, in small amounts, can help keep us focussed and productive. High stress levels, however, can create long-term health problems. Laughter helps to relieve some of your stress and to perhaps see things from a new perspective.

2. Good Cardiovascular Activity

While laughing shouldn't be your only physical cardiovascular activity, it still gets your heart pumping and blood flowing. As a bonus effect, a good laugh can also work out your abs. Alone, this won't get you that six-pack, but hey, every little bit helps.

3. Releases Endorphins

Laughter releases endorphins in the body, lowering pain and increasing the feeling of wellbeing. A little bit of daily laughter can build up a good resilience to pain and lead to an overall healthy and balanced lifestyle.

4. Live Longer

Studies have shown that a good sense of humour and laughter can lead to a longer lifespan. Besides, a long life with laughter sounds a lot more positive than a shorter, pessimistic life.

5. Social Cohesion

Between friends and loved ones, a good laugh not only makes you feel better but can also draw your relationships closer and let others know that you care and have a lighthearted side to you. Authentic laughter is a strong display of emotion and is an emotion that can be shared and reciprocated by others easily.

Everyone has their own sense of humour. What you find funny, your friends may find dull and vice versa. Find a good comedy film or television programme that you enjoy, or listen to your favourite stand-up comedian for a while and feel free to laugh.

Also, find ways to laugh with friends and loved ones. While you may not always share their sense of humour, common activities and casual conversations can almost always be shared in a humourous manner. You don't have to always come up with a witty joke either, some people have a habit of being funny when they're not trying to be.

There are so many uncertainties in life, and everyone has their own unique challenges, but life really is too short to stress over things that are out of your control. Integrating a little bit of laughter daily doesn't need to be difficult or complicated. Learn to turn that frown upside down and look at the bright side of life.