By Alison Crane
Have you heard the phrase “laughter is the best medicine?” According to the Mayo Clinic, it just may be what the doctor orders when it comes to relieving stress. Researchers found short-term effects of laughter include:
- Enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
- Activates and relieves your stress response, resulting in a good, relaxed feeling.
- Can stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, helping reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Some possible long-term effects of laughing regularly include:
- Improved immune system function.
- Pain relief.
- Increased personal satisfaction.
- Improved mood.
Here are some tips for refining or developing your sense of humor:
- Have items around you that inspire humor, such as a plaque or mug with a funny saying on it or humorous calendar.
- See the humor in everyday situations.
- Share a laugh with others, such as a funny story or joke.
- Look up knock-knock jokes or riddles online or get a book.
- WARNING: Know what isn’t funny. Don’t laugh at the expense of others. Some forms of humor are not appropriate. Use your best judgment to discern a good joke from a bad or hurtful one. When in doubt, do not share it.
National Stress Awareness Day on the first Wednesday in November each year aims to identify and reduce stress factors in your life. Purposefully adding laughter into your life can reduce stress and help you maintain a positive outlook while dealing with life in general.
To learn more ways to reduce or manage your stress or for educational programs, contact the Garland County Extension office at 501-623-6841 or visit us at 210 Woodbine Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. Don’t let the holidays stress you out. Sometimes all you need is a good laugh!
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
{Catch up on past articles by Alison at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/crane/.}
