It’s so important in this complicated world we live in that we need to keep humor close to our hearts, and be receptive to living our lives packed with smiles and fullness.  In doing so, it gives each one of us the ability to laugh harder at what comes our way at any time.

Here’s one quote that had us chuckling this morning:
“My therapist told me the way to achieve inner peace is to finish what I start. So far, I’ve finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already”- Dave Barry

A healthy sense of humor can help you deal with tough times. Humor might seem like a soothing balm or a light diversion. But humor is much more powerful than something that simply lulls us or calms us down.

In fact, it’s an often over-looked tool in our arsenal to battle to maintain good health. During times when we are barraged with economic, social, political, and health problems, it’s wise to turn to a not-so-obvious way to protect ourselves. The myriad of health benefits from humor and laughter are wide-reaching.

During moments of levity, while it seems like you’re simply laughing at a friend’s joke or a comedian’s monologue, you’re actually improving your health. By tickling your funny bone, clinical evidence shows you are not only being entertained, but enhancing your physical, psychological, and social well-being.

Laughter Can Boost Heart Health
While those muscles relax during what seems like a minor activity, medical professionals inform us that you improve your vascular functioning, too. As you laugh at hilarious events, your cardiac health improves. Laughter increases your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure.

Humor Brings Comfort and Eases Physical Pain
Robert Bonakdar, MD, FAAFP, FACN, director of pain management at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, lightens the mood when he greets patients. He says he likes to bring laughter into the treatment room whenever possible. He commonly uses an ice breaker to help to put patients at ease and hopefully bring a smile to their faces.

This approach is purposeful. He’s not only helping his patients feel more comfortable by bringing laughter into his practice, but he’s also contributing to lessening their perception of pain.

Laughter Can Improve Sleep and Boost Immunity
Psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD, says that laughing heartily and a lot offers another physical benefit: research shows it can improve sleep quality as well.

Overall, extensive laughter supports the immune system, which makes you more resistant to disease. By laughing, you are increasing antibody-producing cells and enhancing the effectiveness of T cells in your body. These cells act like a defense army to combat illness.

So next time you are feeling low, see a comedy show, watch a Netflix standup special, or have a long conversation with your grandchild, and get those laughs out to help boost your mood! Go ahead and chuckle- it’s contagious.

 
Portions of article sourced from: https://www.verywellmind.com/health-benefits-of-humor-and-laughter-5101137