Ask Joy: Who said that laughter is the best medicine?
- Replies 4
Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.
The aphorism ‘laughter is the best medicine’ has been attributed to the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament: ‘A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit, dry the bones.’
This ancient wisdom might also hold true for some medical conditions.
‘Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.’ — Mayo Clinic.
The bottom line: Laughing increases the brain's production of endorphins – the natural way your body relieves pain, reduces stress and boosts mood. Laughing also increases your intake of oxygen-rich air and blood flow and circulation, which can improve brain health. Have belly laughs with others to reap the benefits of laughter and staying social.
‘Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.’ – Victor Hugo.
Benefits
Laughter can have a positive effect on the whole body, decreasing stress, oxygenating the blood flowing to the heart and brain and releasing endorphins that reduce pain.
Physical health benefits
Mental health benefits
Social Benefits
Strengthens relationships:
‘Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.’ — Mayo Clinic.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque in diam id erat facilisis consectetur vitae vel urna.
Ut lacus libero, suscipit auctor ipsum sit amet, viverra pretium nisl. Nullam facilisis nec odio nec dapibus. Integer maximus risus et velit porttitor ullamcorper
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.
The aphorism ‘laughter is the best medicine’ has been attributed to the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament: ‘A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit, dry the bones.’
This ancient wisdom might also hold true for some medical conditions.
‘Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.’ — Mayo Clinic.
The bottom line: Laughing increases the brain's production of endorphins – the natural way your body relieves pain, reduces stress and boosts mood. Laughing also increases your intake of oxygen-rich air and blood flow and circulation, which can improve brain health. Have belly laughs with others to reap the benefits of laughter and staying social.
When did you last laugh? Image Credit: Shutterstock
‘Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.’ – Victor Hugo.
Benefits
Laughter can have a positive effect on the whole body, decreasing stress, oxygenating the blood flowing to the heart and brain and releasing endorphins that reduce pain.
Physical health benefits
- Boosts immunity
- Lowers stress hormones
- Decreases pain
- Relaxes your muscles
- Prevents heart disease
Mental health benefits
- Adds joy and zest to life
- Eases anxiety and tension
- Relieves stress
- Improves mood
- Strengthens resilience
Social Benefits
Strengthens relationships:
- Attracts others to us
- Enhances teamwork
- Helps defuse conflict
- Promotes group bonding
Laughter is best when shared. Image Credit: Shutterstock.
‘Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.’ — Mayo Clinic.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque in diam id erat facilisis consectetur vitae vel urna.
Ut lacus libero, suscipit auctor ipsum sit amet, viverra pretium nisl. Nullam facilisis nec odio nec dapibus. Integer maximus risus et velit porttitor ullamcorper
Read more for FREE!
Become a member today and join over 200,000 Australians already taking advantage of daily news, weather, petrol costs, games, jokes, deals and more. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit.
-
FREE 400-page Discount eBook upon joining
-
FREE Aussie-made eBook & many more
-
Multiple daily discounts for members
-
No payment required
Register Faster Using
Or Register with email
Already a member?
Sponsored
.png){kind=icon}
The power of laughter!
