The Health Benefits of Laughter

Knock Knock! Who's there? Abbott. Abbott who? Abbott time you opened this door!


Go ahead. Laugh. Your health may depend upon it. People need to laugh more, especially when one considers the state of the world today. Flip through the channels on the television, listen to the radio while driving your car, surf the internet and you will be sure to hear stories of fighting in the Middle East, a kidnapped child, or the horrible economic state of the world. Hearing the news can raise stress levels and create havoc in a person's immune system. Daily living also takes its toll on the body and its immune system.

Working, maintaining healthy relationships, carpooling, running errands, taking care of your family, and cleaning your house can wear a person ragged. The antidote ? A good, healthy laugh. The importance of laughter is becoming more and more recognized as doctors and scientists perform more studies linking laughter to increased health and vitality. It is more important than ever in today's stress filled society to have a good laugh. The health benefits of laughter are numerous.

A person who laughs will have a stronger immune system. Laughing strengthens your bodies' defenses against invading germs and bacteria. A person who laughs frequently will experience less colds and other viruses than his or her non-laughing counterpart. And if a person who laughs often does become ill, the duration of the sickness is shorter. So go ahead and laugh more; it will keep sicknesses at bay.

Dr. Miller with the University of Maryland recommends "that you try to laugh on a regular basis." Dr. Miller and others from the University of Maryland performed an experiment that clearly links laughter and the healthy widening of blood vessels. In this study, some participants watched a movie that made them laugh and others watched a stressful movie. The participants who laughed experienced increased blood flow through their veins. Conversely, the people who watched the non-laughing movie had a decreased flow of blood through their constricted veins. According to the study, laughing often could result in fewer heart attacks and strokes.
Laughing will make you feel good. When we laugh, powerful chemicals called endorphins are produced and released into our bodies. Endorphins are natural morphine-like compounds that block pain, both physical and mental. If you're looking for a safe, healthy high, laughter may be your answer.

If you are experiencing lethargy or depression, laughing just may be what the doctor orders. Coffee and energy drinks may create an artificial boost in energy levels and feelings of elation, however, this effect is temporary and detrimental to your body and spirit. A much healthier option is laughing, something we often forget to do especially when plagued by ill feelings and lack of energy. Laughing will increase positive thoughts and boost energy levels naturally.

So go ahead and laugh more. Make laughter an important part of your daily life. Watch funny movies, tell jokes, socialize with funny people, or watch a comedic professional. You don't have to laugh well; you just have to laugh.

Randy Cabral has been dazzling audiences worldwide for the past 15 years with his interactive blend of fast-paced and flexible humor. In fact, you may recognize him from his recent 2008 appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Randy Cabral's passion for comedic entertainment made its debut in his college years, when he performed over 5000 shows at Walt Disney World. After graduating college cum laude with a degree in psychology, Randy pursued his calling by performing all over the world, including Japan, Europe and throughout North America. Randy has been featured in over four thousand shows at Walt Disney World, has performed for some of the world's leading corporations, including AT&T, Sony, Glaxo Smith Klein, and Hewlett Packard, and has graced the stage at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.