With an increasingly hasty society, our technology keeps getting better and makes life faster, thus making our lives seem rushed. There are always so many things to do and so little time and we feel more and more pressure to get things done. Whether we experience corporate stress or personal stress, stress is unhealthy and should be released. Meditation and yoga are reliable ways to release stress but there is another way to that is simpler, FREE!! And what's more you have it in your possession. Yes this may sound like a online shopping network advert but it true, this feel good technique is called laughter! 

Laughter is a worldwide language that unites people, creates a blissful atmosphere and is therapeutic. There are so many benefits of laughter for the mind, body and soul, but how does laughter affect us physically? 

Laughter decreases stress hormones (adrenaline, dopac, cortisol, epinephrine, growth hormone) that actually constrict blood vessels causing high blood pressure and heart problems. During stress the adrenal gland releases increased amounts of corticosteroids (converted to cortisol in blood stream) and it has a negative effects on the immune system such as immunosuppressive. Laughter lowers cortisol levels therefore protecting your immune system. 

Laughter releases Natural Killer cells that assist in fighting colds, sinus problems and viruses by increasing the absorption of immunoglobulin A in saliva. It also boosts the immune function, increases activity and strengthens the immune system. 

Laughing has been compared to an ‘internal jogging' because your body gets a complete workout from a good belly laugh. Laughing is aerobic exercise for your intercostals, diaphragm, abdominal, facial and respiratory muscles because increases muscle flexion and relieves muscular tension. Muscles do not partake in the action of laughter and therefore they relax. The muscles used to laugh relax after you finish laughing, so they each work in turns. You cannot maintain muscle tension while laughing. 

The best cardiac exercise you can do for your heart is to have a good laugh as this regulates heartbeat and increases the circulation and improves the transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Laughing is one way to beat high blood pressure because it releases stress hormones that causes high blood pressure therefore lowering it and preventing hypertension.

Lungs are what helps us breath and having a laughing fit speeds up more oxygen into your system and improves breathing. It helps empty the lungs of more air as it increases the utility of oxygen and therefore causing a cleansing effect as well as clearing mucus from the lungs. 

Laughter reduces pain by increasing the body's natural painkiller, endorphins and acts as a temporary distraction. In hospitals, doctors use humour therapy programs after surgeries to support in the healing process and improve health. Laughter enhances treatments and reduces the symptoms of arthritis. 

Having a sense of humour helps us to interpretate events that happen in our lives. The way we perceive them determines if it will be a challenge, threat, delightful or moments of joy. Humour provides us with different perspectives on issues and if we can lighten the situation, it no longer becomes negative. If ever you are in a tense situation, that is where you need to laugh the most.

Yes for today and everyday here after you too can have a good laugh it's the only thing that will cost you nothing!!

"If you can laugh at it, you can survive it!" - Bill Cosby    

Benefits of Laughter: 

1)   Stimulates the brain, nervous, respiratory, hormonal and muscular system

2)  Lightens depression and is a natural stress reliever

3)  Reduces allergy symptoms and pain

4)  Raises levels of infection-fighting T-cells and proteins called gamma-interferon and B-cells.

5)  Lowers cortisol levels thus protecting the immune system

6)  Improves health and well-being

7)  Improves relationships

8)  Helps to cope with problems more efficiently