5 awesome research-based reasons to laugh more every day

Image courtesy of Pixabay/TawnyNina

Have you noticed just how big April Fools’ Day has become?

As I was walking my dogs one morning, a neighbor asked if I saw the news.  Apparently the city where I live announced on the morning news that the license fee for owning a furry creature will increase 10 times (up to $200 per year).  On top of this, pet owners will not be allowed to have more than two pets.  I couldn’t believe my ears!

I was obsessing about this news for the next 20 minutes, as I finished getting ready for work and headed out of the door.  I was walking on this beautiful morning, enjoying the rays of warm April sun, as it hit me – April Fools’ Day!

Can you believe I had fallen for such an ancient trick? I laughed and later shared the story with a couple of friends.  

Here’s another question for you – when was the last time you laughed uncontrollably, you know, so hard that your stomach hurt?

I remember a few of these laughing attacks.  I was always taught these are the precious moments that fill your stomach with butterflies and truly prolong your life.

April Fool’s day is the best reminder that laughter is one of the most powerful weapons you have. It also helps to realize that happiness is a choice.

Today, I wanted to share with you 5 incredible researched-based reasons why laughter is the best solution for many of your questions or problems!

1. Laughter can improve your relationships and show off your intelligence, cheerfulness and good character.

Are you trying to find someone special or excite your loved one? Did you know that laughter and humor make you more attractive to another person and simply increase your sex appeal?

You might also recognize that making others laugh helps to reveal your intelligence and quick wit.  Did you know that being able to laugh at yourself underscores your good nature and creates more cheerful mood?

2. Laughter helps you to become more resilient.

More research now supports that laughter helps you to stay strong. Humor strengthens your immunity, helps to you to cope and grow, and protects your nervous system during the times of stress.

3. Laughter helps with pain and discomfort.

Another important area of research in humor and laughter looks at pain and discomfort.  Are you surprised to find out that when you are laughing you forget about your aches and pains? Probably not.

4. Laughter can help to slow your aging and keep your memory sharper.

Do you have older friends or family members who are amazingly well-rounded and fun to be with?  Are they the clowns in the family? Did you know that laughter helps older patients to have sharper memory?  So maybe all your grandmother’s jokes are her best defense against aging.

5. Laughter can help with your quality of life and health status if you are suffering from a chronic illness.

I am truly amazed by all the findings in humor research that look at chronic and often debilitating illnesses and how helpful laughter can be for those patients – whether this is someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psychiatric disturbances, diabetes or dialysis. Even cancer patients benefit from laughter – humor helps to relieve stress and enhance self-esteem during radiation therapy.

Now YOUR turn!

Questions: What’s the BEST joke that was ever played on you? Or maybe you played on someone else? Who’s one person or one thing (movie, book, or show) that makes you laugh like crazy?