What may surprise you is the fact that researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. Laughing can be a total body workout. Blood pressure is lowered, and there is an increase in vascular blood flow and in oxygenation of the blood. Laughter also gives your diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles a workout. In other words, laughter is definitely an aerobic workout!
The psychological benefits of humor are quite amazing. People often store negative emotions such as anger, sadness and fear, rather than expressing them. Laughter provides a way for these emotions to be harmlessly released. Laughter is cathartic. Increasingly, mental health professionals are suggesting “laughter therapy,” which teaches people how to laugh— openly— at things that aren’t usually funny and to cope in difficult situations by using humor.
We were made as social beings. When a baby is only a few months old, they connect with others through smiling and laughing. Laughing is the universal language found in every group on earth. Laughter breaks down the barriers of culture, race, economic classes , nationality and governmental philosophies. No matter what differences we may have — we all respond the same way to something amusing— with a laugh.
Laughter is a magnet that draws us into social relationships. Laughter appears to lower our natural stranger anxiety making it easier for us to develop new friendships. Laughter is also the glue that keeps our relationships together. Laughter connects us with each other. When friends or family members share a humorous event such as a joke, it releases positive emotions that help us develop closeness and bind us together.
It is impossible to feel angry, depressed, anxious, guilty or resentful while you are laughing.
Sooo— if you are feeling dry, it is definitely time for a good dose of laughter…..