The Benefits of Laughter - and How to Use It to Combat Stress

By Karyn Buxman. This was originally published on Karyn's blog.

Stress is a HUGE problem in America.

A recent Gallup study revealed 8 in 10 Americans are afflicted by stress! So how can Americans begin to reverse this trend and reduce their stress levels? An easy way to start is with humor!

You might be thinking…
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Stress relief from laughter? Really, Karyn?

It’s no joke!
Now, a good laugh isn’t going to cure all ailments, but it certainly helps most! Here are some of the short and long-term benefits of laughter (Mayo Clinic):

Short-Term

• Stimulates many organs (heart, lungs, muscles) – laughter increases your intake of oxygen-rich air, which stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles!
• Activates and relieves your stress response – laughter cools down your stress response, giving you a nice, relaxed feeling
• Soothes tension – laughter can stimulate circulation and reduce some of the physical stress symptoms (tight shoulders/neck, jaw, back, and chest)

Laughter can also provide some benefits over time.

Check out some of the long-term effects:

Long-Term

• Improves your immune system – laughter decreases stress hormones, increases immune cells (short-term/mid-range/long-term) and increases natural antibodies
• Relieves pain – laughter can cause your body to produce its own natural painkillers
• Increases personal satisfaction – laughter can help you cope with stressful situations
• Improves your mood – laughter decreases feelings of depression and anxiety

If you’re dealing with stress (and chances are you have some level of stress in your life), let's get started down the path of stress reduction.

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