Health and Wellness Blog

We have all heard that laughter is the best medicine. It makes us feel great but do we know why? 

Apparen'tly, laughter can improve our mood and can have physiological effects like:

– stimulating our organs, enhancing the intake of oxygen-rich air, and increasing the endorphins released by our brain 

– stimulating circulation, helping our muscles relax, relieving stress and boosting our immune system

It may not simply be just the act of laughing that brings the health benefits of course, it is also about a good sense of humour, a positive attitude, and the support of people around us.

Laughter may also help protect us against a heart attack, according to a study by heart doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. They are not yet sure why exactly, but they do know that stress can cause inflammatory reactions leading to fat and cholesterol build-up in the coronary arteries which can lead to a heart attack.

Those who have experimented with laughter therapy classes to improve existing health problems have found that it can help. Laughter therapy can include yoga, dancing, singing and so on.

If you have had a good laugh lately, you will have noticed that it takes a lot out of you physically, sort of like a workout. It 's been said that laughter is comparable to exercise. It can help clear your airways and enhance inhalation and oxygen intake.

Doctors have always recommended exercise and healthy eating for a healthy heart, but perhaps one day they will recommend laughter too.

For more information about laughter and some inspiration to make you laugh, please take a look at the following books from the library.