A Happy Heart is a Healthy Heart

You’ve heard the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine,” right? There might be more truth to it than you think. Not only is laughter free, but research shows that laughing can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, alleviate pain and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. How, you might ask?

• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh can relieve 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, thereby helping to improve 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 can improve the function of blood vessels and increase blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other heart issues.

Find a way to bring a little more laughter into every day. Plan a fun activity at home with your kids, play with your pet, check a funny book out of the library or watch your favorite comedy.