35 Benefits Of Laughter

This post was inspired by watching the Prime Minister Gordon Brown crack a joke on question time today. Not that I have so much interest or knowledge in politics, but Gordon Brown hardly smiles (well at least the times I have seen him on television lol!!). It was fascinating to see him throw a wisecrack at David Cameron and laugh while doing so.

At that point my perception of him changed because his laughter brought out the human side of him despite his political controversies.

You may be going through tough times or experiencing difficulties, I dare say a dose of laughter could lift your spirits. Life is not all about being too serious or moody. Yes there is/was a recession, you may be struggling financially, you’ve just come out of a relationship or things appear cloudy with no ray hope in sight. Go on take a few minutes to think of something that would make you laugh, relax and ease the tension.

This post attempts to highlight the various benefits of laughter and suggest practical ways to induce laughter.

Laughter is a form of an outward expression of happiness, amusement and pleasure. It is a universal language that depicts joy or happiness and it’s derived from sound or movements your bodies make when you find something funny.

Robert Provine, Ph.D., a neuroscientist in his book Laughter: A Scientific Investigation, states that laughter establishes or restores a positive emotional climate and a sense of connection between two people, who literally take pleasure in the company of each other.

In no particular order, here are 35 benefits of laughter:

• It relieves physical tension and stress.
• It strengthens various relationships you’ve established.
• It makes people feel/get attracted to you as a person.
• It quashes conflicts or arguments that could spring up.
• It promotes bonding between individuals.
• It improves your mood.
• According to medical research, it boosts your immune system.
• It instils a form of calmness.
• It allows you express yourself sometimes carelessly lol!!!.
• It enhances optimism in different areas of  your life.
• It could make complex situations appear less threatening.
• It allows you express your true feelings.
• It reduces anxiety.
• It lowers your blood pressure.
• It creates fun.
• You feel great
• It is free!!!
• It lifts your spirits.
• Women love a man that can make them laugh.lol!!!!!
• It improves your social life.
• It improves respiratory conditions, aids in ventilation and helps clear mucus plugs. (Journal of the American Medical Association)
• It increases blood circulation and rise in oxygen and nutrient levels. (Journal of Biological Psychology)
• It improves your looks by making you appear youthful
• At times it helps to increase creativity.
• It lightens burdens.
• It gives room for self expression.
• It promotes a positive attitude.
• It promotes self acceptance.
• It is therapeutic.
• It drives away negative emotions
• It could change your perspective on certain issues.
• It brings healing to the hurt you are experiencing
• It increases your mental flexibility.
• It promotes self confidence.
• It increases your tolerance levels because it lowers the risk of you being irritated by little things.

There are several ways laughter can be induced. They are as follows:

• Develop the habit of smiling where necessary.
• Spend time with people who are jovial and bring out the best in you.
• Try introducing a bit of humour into what you say.
• Count your blessings and appreciate all you have and the people around you.
• Always to look out for the funny side of life.
• Occasionally do silly things.
• Participate in fun activities
• Watch a comedy.
• Interact with children. Trust me you would laugh a lot when interacting with little children.

So what makes you laugh?

I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Ayo Olaniyan is a certified Unitive Life Coach, an Accredited Professional Counsellor with the Counselling Society and the editor of The Life Skills Magazine. For further information, please complete this form.

Tagged as: benefits, david cameron, gordon brown, laughing, laughter