Is laughing good for you?
Many studies have linked a positive outlook on life with increased longevity, and a ‘sense of humour’ is one of the top attributes cited when looking for a mate. But what are all those chuckles actually doing for your body? The folks at Greatist.com have put together an infographic spelling it all out — in anatomically correct detail. Take, for example, issues with the thyroid, which can be aggravated by stress. Start to laugh, stress starts to dissipate — and your immune system receives a much-needed boost.
But what about those who don’t have a strong sense of humour, or find it difficult to laugh? You could start with movies or TV as a test stage for what you find funny, as suggested by David Laing, a clinical hypnotic consultant based in the U.K. But we prefer his easier-to-implement suggestion of ‘faking it until you make it’: “Smile more often, and fake laughter; you’ll still achieve positive effects, and the fake merriment may lead to the real thing.”
Check out what laughter can do to your body.
