"I tell ya, muggers are jerks, but you still gotta hand it to them." (Cue the laugh track...)
And thus begins another International Joke Day on July 1. Where would any of us be without jokes and laughter to brighten our spirits? It can help any situation. This July 1, Summit Medical Group invites you to take some time out of your day to recognize the important job humor plays in our lives - and especially our health.
There is a lot of truth to the old saying, "Laughter is the best medicine." It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.
As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day. As adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter happens more infrequently. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life. Here are just a few of the many health benefits of laughter:
- Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
- Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
- Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
- Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
- Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it's no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.
- Laughter lightens anger's heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.
- Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don't laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.
The link between laughter and mental health
More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh-or even simply a smile-can go a long way toward making you feel better. And this positive feeling remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.
- Laughter stops distressing emotions. You can't feel anxious, angry, or sad when you're laughing.
- Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more.
- Laughter shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and diffuse conflict.
- Laughter draws you closer to others, which can have a profound effect on all aspects of your mental and emotional health.
International Joke Day happens every July 1, and is all about getting a grin out of your best friend, sharing a laugh on social media, and appreciating the stand up comics who have left us in stitches for decades. Speaking of stitches, that reminds me:
I asked the doctor the other day if I'd be able to play the piano once I got my stitches removed. "Yes," he told me, "I imagine that won't be a problem." "Great," I said. "I've always wanted to play a musical instrument."
Here's hoping you can enjoy and celebrate International Joke Day with a hearty, healthy laugh!