Laugh Out Loud!
By Debra Staton, Wellness Coordinator for the Arkansas Health Network
Most of us have heard the phrase LOL, but it’s not just an emoji--laughing out loud can be good for your health. Did you know that you can improve your well-being by laughing it up?
April is National Humor Month. The goal is to raise awareness of the therapeutic value of humor. As humans, we all share a variety of emotions that impact our psychological and physiological wellbeing. Some emotions we might share are anxiety, depression, laughter, fear and joy.
Have you ever heard someone laugh but you have no idea what they are laughing about? Before long, you are laughing along with them. Laughter is contagious, so spread your giggles and trigger some laughter to others.
Laughter is the best medicine! Get your dose today and reap the benefits. Laughter can:
- Melt away the tension by stimulating the circulation and helping relax your muscles
- Release endorphins
- Boost the immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells
- Burn calories
- Relax you
- Improve your mental health
- Improve your mood
- Relieve stress
- Cause the body to produce its own natural painkillers, so it may ease pain
Who doesn’t love a good “belly” laugh? I know I do!