GREENSBORO, N.C. — Today is World Laughter Day. Who doesn't love a good laugh? Today is a great day to appreciate the incredible power of laughter and how it's the best medicine.
Laughter is excellent for your physical health. Did you know laughter is a workout because it exercises your diaphragm and strengthens your core muscles? It can even lower your blood pressure and boost your immune system. Studies have shown laughter can help manage pain and even improve sleep quality.
Laughter is also great for your emotional health because it triggers the release of endorphins, our body's natural feel-good chemicals. It also reduces cortisol, which is your stress hormone and can help you fight feelings of anxiety and depression. Laughter can even strengthen social bonds and create a sense of belonging.
Ever notice that you like to hang out with people who make you laugh? Well, there are a few reasons for it. One reason is that shared laughter is like social glue. Laughing together builds rapport, creates social bonds, and gives a sense of belonging. Laughter is a natural stress reliever. By reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and increasing relaxation, people who make us laugh contribute to our overall well-being.
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