Mental Health: Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Humour and Laughter Reduce the Risk of Chronic Health Conditions

Stress and the hormones it produces can do a lot of damage to the mind and body over time. Since humour and laughter reduce the amounts of these hormones, it has also been shown that they can help reduce the risk of blood clots, heart conditions, and other stress-related diseases.

What Happens to Us When We Laugh?

Levels of stress hormones decrease.
Your heart, lungs, and muscles are stimulated.
There is increased activity in parts of the brain’s reward system.
Endorphins—the body’s natural pain blockers—are released.

The Benefits of Including Humour in Our Daily Life

A stronger immune system.
Improved mood and anxiety relief.
Better interactions with others.
Less burnout on the job.

5 Tips for Incorporating Humour in Your Life

List three funny things that happened to you each day.
Find a TV show or movie that tickles your funny bone.
Get online. There is a little something for everyone on the internet. Comics, memes, YouTube videos, blogs—anything that gets you to laugh or smile.
Reach out to someone who gets your sense of humour. Share the funny things that have happened to you recently or reminisce about something in your past that gets you laughing.
Read a funny book.