What does a vegetarian zombie eat? Graaaains!
Hahaha well, hopefully some of you got a laugh out of that little joke. If not, thats ok. We all laugh at different things, but the most important key is that we all laugh. It always feels good to have a good laugh every now and then. Sure it makes us feel good, but it is also healthy for us. Just like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine, but little did we know, there is truth behind this old saying. In fact, recent studies have shown that laughter actually has many health benefits. Laughter can improve one's physical and mental health.
By having a good hearty laugh we are helping our bodies at the cost of nothing. Listening to a few jokes, reading a few puns, or watching a good comedy provokes our laughter. Who knew that a case of the giggles could boost the immune system? Studies have shown that laughter can actually increase our immune cells and other antibodies that help protect us from sickness. With more immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, it is easier to fight infectious diseases. Along with a better immune system, laughter can help protect the heart. Laughter increases the blood flow throughout the body, and can improve the function of blood vessels. This provides protection from a variety of heart problems. One final physical benefit is the relaxed happy state that laughter puts us in. Laughter can relieve physical tension and stress. While laughing, your body releases endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals in your body. So, you are feel happy and relaxed, all thanks to a few giggles.
In addition to the physical benefits, there are a few psychological benefits as well. For starters, there is the fact that laugher can minimize stressful emotions such as anger, anxiety, stress, or sadness. A few laughs here and there provide you with a positive distraction. You can't focus on being sad, or worrying about something while you're having a good ole belly laugh. Also, laughter can change your mood, which forces you to have a more positive outlook on the current situation. Not only would your mood change, but it could also boost the moods of others around you. After all, it is always more fun to laugh with others.
Thank God for laughter. There is no feeling like it, and life without it would be very dull. So, go out and laugh, or stay in and chuckle. Do what you do to get those giggles going.