This is the final week of our Breast Cancer Awareness series. We have enjoyed learning about Exercise that Helps Reduce Stress from Kaitlin Gardner at An Apple Per Day and Clean Eating from Caryn Sullivan at Pretty Wellness. This week we are talking about Laughter, because sometimes “Laughter is the Best Medicine”.
Laughter for Better Health…
“Laugh more bark less” as the bumper sticker, says. I love to see that bumper sticker. It is a funny reminder to laugh and stop being so serious all the time! “Laughter is the best medicine”. I laugh at myself all the time and I find that stressful situations make me laugh. Funny things are all around and they happen all the time in my life, my duh moments, funny things little dude or my hubs does, or the ridiculous things that happen to me. My life is funny! And if I don’t laugh and find the humor in it I’m not sure what would happen.
Laughter is one of the essential tools to keep relationships fresh and exciting! Who doesn’t love a good joke, a funny story, a funny situation that makes you crack- up. A full belly laugh that gives you sore abs and perm- grin that makes your cheeks sore from smiling are not the only benefits to Laughter. Laughter has more benefits then just the obvious, physical health benefits, mental health benefits and social benefits.
Physical Benefits of Laughter…
Laughter can relax the whole body. Release muscle tension and reduce stress.
Laughter can boost the immune system.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins.
Laughter protects the heart.
Mental Health Benefits of Laughter…
Laughter can add joy and zest to your life.
Laughter can ease fear & anxiety.
Laughter can improve mood and enhance resilience.
Social benefits…
Laughter can strengthen relationships and attracts others to us.
Laughter enhances teamwork and helps defuse conflict.
Laughter promotes group bonding.
Tips for Incorporating more Laughter and Humor in Your Life…
1. Laugh more. Incorporate more humor and play into your life!
2. Be more spontaneous. Finding the humor in life will help you clear your head.
3. Let go of defensiveness. Laughter helps you forget judgments, criticisms, and doubts.
4. Release inhibitions. Helps you release your fears and holding back feeling.
5. Laughter helps you express you true feelings.
6. Laughter is powerful and helps heal resentment, disagreements, and hurt!
I totally agree with this post. I’ve seen actual medical journals of studies about laughter (and support) improve a breast cancer patient’s recovery. It totally makes sense because laughing more brings an ease to all situations and hopefully decreases some of ones stress load. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer ten-years ago, my husband and I really got into silly movies. The dumber the humor the better – it just made us laugh and we enjoyed the goofiness in life.
Caryn recently posted…Family Fitness at Home Tips: Pretty Wellness TV, Episode 5
Thank you! Laughter is the best medicine! I’m so glad you found laughter too! Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous week!
Laughter is the best medicine, right!
Julia recently posted…Wine With Friends – Full of It
Thanks for stopping by!
I had no idea laughter protects your heart. Another good reason to laugh! I’ll take it.
Jeanine (@MommyEntourage) recently posted…Build an Adventure with Boy Scouts of America
Yes! Keep on laughing. Thanks for stopping by!
Let go of defensiveness! That’s a huge one!
Kate @ Did That Just Happen? recently posted…Whatever Wednesday XLIII
It sure is for may people! Just laugh! Thanks for stopping by!