Smita Pani: [World Malayali Club] 6 Wonderful Things That Laughter Does To Your Body

Thursday 7 January 2016

[World Malayali Club] 6 Wonderful Things That Laughter Does To Your Body

6 Wonderful Things That Laughter Does To Your Body

Feeling blue? Laugh your worries away. Some researchers will tell you that laughter really is the best medicine, helping in lifting up your mood and in putting that spring back in your step. Besides, laughter does amazing things to your body that you didn't even know it could!

Did you know that a good hearty laugh can help you burn off calories? A research carried out by Vanderbilt University revealed that laughing for a period of 10-15 minutes straight can help you burn off 50 calories. Now one piece of chocolate contains just that many calories. So every time you take a bite, laugh it off instead of feeling guilty in indulging in this sinfully delicious pleasure.

There's much more that laughter can do. Find out the 6 truly fascinating things laughter does to your body.

Regulates Your Blood Flow : A research carried out by the University of Maryland revealed that laughter can help in the normal functioning of your blood vessels. Participants were divided into two groups, and one group was made to watch comedy movies, while the other was made to watch drama. Blood vessels of those who watched a drama tensed up, causing a restriction in blood flow. On the other hand, watching comedies helped in regulating blood flow. Not only that, it also lowered blood pressure levels and thereby, reduced the chances of strokes and heart attacks.

2. Boosts Your Immunity: The ability of laughter to reduce stress is invariably linked to the better functioning of your immune system. Stress is a factor in decreases immune system response. When you laugh, the level of infection-fighting antibodies in your body rises, and so does the level of immune cells. So why not laugh to beat that common cough and cold?

3. Controls Blood Sugar Levels: A study conducted on 19 diabetics revealed that laughing can actually lower blood sugar levels! Participants were given lunch and were then made to watch a comedy movie after. Each of them recorded lower blood sugar levels after watching the movie. According to General Physicians, laughter can help control blood sugar levels.

4. Reduces Stress: When you laugh, your body releases a healthy dose of the feel-good hormones called Endorphins. Since, Endorphins are your body's natural painkillers, they help in fighting off chronic pain too. Not only that, increased endorphin production is equivalent to decreased cortisol (stress hormone) production, which means you stress less and feel better. Even faking a smile helps because your brain is unable to distinguish between real and genuine laughter, and will send a signal to your body to release endorphins all the same.

5. Tones Your Tummy: A good laughing session can do wonder for your abs. Laughing causes an expansion and contraction of the muscles in your stomach, which is pretty similar to exercising your abs by performing ab crunches. Laughing is probably the easiest way of getting a toned tummy.

6. Promotes General Well-Being: When so many good things happen to you by just spending a few minutes a day laughing, you ultimately experience an overall improvement in your mental, physical and emotional well-being. Besides, laughing gives you a positive outlook to life, making it easier to handle. So laugh your way to a long, happy and healthy life.