Have you ever wondered why you feel so fantastic after a long laughing fit with your bestie? Well, science has the answer and it proves that laughter actually is the best medicine.
MORE: How to stop stress from taking over your life
Studies have actually proven that laughter is one of the best forms of stress release, which sure beats the hell out of your usual hardcore gym session to burn of steam.
The best thing about it’s that it’s completely natural and creates a positive energy combating tense situations. So to prove the benefits of this natural healing power we’ve put together 5 reasons why laughter is actually good for you.
It relieves stress
Stress is responsible for depressing your immune system that makes it susceptible to disease and common ailments. When you engage in a good dose of laughter your immune system is boosted by an increase in your T-Cell counts that assist in killing bacteria. Therefore laughter helps you kick that nasty cough you’ve been stuck with since winter.
Laughter stimulates creativity
Laughing helps stimulate the right side of your brain, which, is responsible for all your creative tendencies, namely your artistic flare or way with words. So every time your boss catches you laughing with your colleagues you can’t get in trouble because you’re basically brainstorming.
It’s a great cardio workout
Good news! You can skip your daily run and opt for a marathon of Friends instead because a good dose of laughter increases your blood flow by 22 per cent that equates to 15-30 minutes of hitting the pavement.
It’s a natural way to keep depressive moods at bay
Not only does laughter make you happier and less stressed it also helps decrease your risks of depression. Because laughing regularly makes you happier and means you are surrounded by people who make you laugh. Happier, positive people usually have better social networks and are less likely to suffer depression. If you’re having trouble identifying if you’re starting to feel down take a look at our advice on anxiety ruining your life.
Helps improve your relationships
If you think back to high school psychology you’ll remember that a large part of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is our need for love and social interaction. Well you don’t need an incredibly expensive psychologist to help you improve your relationships anymore because all you need is a good laugh! How does it work you ask? Well that’s easy it helps keeps things fun and exciting and who doesn’t love fun and exciting?
What is it they say? A laugh a day keeps the doctor away? Well maybe not, but it still works.
Image via EliteDaily.com
