It is always fun to share a good laugh and even better, a hard laugh, but did you know that it can really improve your health? It's true: laughter is powerful medicine. It helps people in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens the immune system, increases mood, decreases pain and protects it from the damaging effects of stress. When we were children, we used to laugh a hundred times a day, but as adults,  life tends to be more serious and laughter is more infrequent. However, by seeking 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. Let's see eight benefits of laughter.

1. Lowers Blood Pressure

People who lower their blood pressure, even those who start at normal levels, will reduce their risk of stroke and heart attack. So take the Sunday paper, turn to the funny pages and enjoy a little laugh.

2. Reduces Stress Hormone Levels

By reducing the level of stress hormones, you are simultaneously reducing the anxiety and stress that affect your body. In addition, the reduction of stress hormones can cause your immune system to function better. Just think that as you are laughing as a co-worker is telling a funny joke that laughter can relieve some stress of the day and help you reap some health benefits.

3. Gives You a Free Ab Workout

Laughter can also help to tone your abs. When you laugh, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to when you exercise your abs intentionally. Meanwhile, the muscles that you are not using to laugh are having the opportunity to relax. Add laughter to your abs routine and make working on a toned tummy more enjoyable.

4. It’s Good For Your Heart

Believe it or not, laughter is a great cardio exercise, especially for those who are unable to do other physical activity due to an injury or illness. Your heart pumps and burns a similar amount of calories per hour while walking at a slow or moderate pace. So don’t wait, laugh your heart to health.

5. Stimulates T Cells

T cells are specialized cells of the immune system that await their activation in the body. When you laugh, you activate the T cells that immediately begin to help you fight disease. The next time you feel a cold coming, add laughter to your disease prevention plan.

6. Activates The Release of Endorphins

Endorphins are the body's natural analgesics. By laughing, you can release endorphins, which can help you relieve chronic pain and make you feel good everywhere.

7. Helps To Overcome Conflict

Faced with a situation that causes negative emotions, it is best to appeal to humor as a tool to solve and overcome the problem.

8. Produces a Sense of Well-Being

Laughter can increase your general sense of well-being. Doctors have seen that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight disease better than people who tend to be more negative. So smile, laugh and live longer!

As we have seen friends, laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict. Nothing works faster or more reliably to regain balance between mind and body than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you with others and keeps you grounded, focused and alert. It also helps you to release anger and be more forgiving.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and often is a tremendous resource to overcome problems, improve relationships and support physical and emotional health. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use. And you? Leave me a comment below and tell me what makes you laugh.

XOXO, 

Susana