Therapeutic Laughter

Feeling a little stressed or overwhelmed? Did you know that laughing can improve your overall health and wellbeing? Studies have shown that laughter is a great form of medicine with many health benefits. For one, laughter draws people together and improves one's social life. Laughter relaxes the whole body helping to release stress and tension. The relaxation effects of laughter can last up to 45 minutes.

In addition to reducing tension, laughter can also boost your immune system. This is accomplished by decreasing stress hormones, thus, in turn, increasing immune cells that fight off infections. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which produce an overall sense of wellbeing. Sharing a good laugh with family or friends is a great way to boost your mood and decrease anger and conflict.

Laughter also protects the heart by increasing blood flow and improving the function of blood vessels. This improved functioning can help with cardiovascular functioning. In addition, laughter can help protect you from a heart attack. All in all, laughter is a way to wind down and relax from life's stressors. Not to mention the numerous health benefits associated with laughing.

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