LAUGHTER - A BEST MEDICINE

Nowadays stress has become a part of everyday life in all individuals. There are two kinds of stress - distress, which is the negative kind of stress; and  eustress, which is the positive kind of stress. Laughter is a form of eustress that releases bad and distressful emotions that cause harmful chemical effects on the body, mind, or soul, but laughter therapy has positive effect on these three. Laughter is a universal language that has the potential to unite the entire humanity.

Patients, doctors and healthcare professionals are all finding that laughter may indeed be the best medicine. For many years medical professionals have recognized that those patients who maintained a positive mental attitude and shared laughter responded better to treatment.

Laughter is a combination of modified respiratory movements. It can be defined as an inspiration followed by many short convulsive expirations, during which the rima glottides remains open and the vocal folds vibrate.

The physical health benefits of laughter therapy are strong immune system, improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress hormones, and reduced pain and muscle relaxation. The mental health benefits of laughter therapy are lessened stress, reduced anger and anxiety, increased joy and aliveness, more positive, optimistic mood, a sense of control, and increased emotional intelligence. The work-related benefits of laughter therapy are team building, communication skills, conflict management, morale, job satisfaction, creativity, problem-solving, resilience, stress management, and productivity.

Laughter is one of the finest, most economical, and easy to practice anti stress measure. Laughter is one of the best muscle relaxants, hence expands blood vessels and sends more blood to the extremities and other muscles all over the body. A good bout of laughter also reduces the levels of stress hormones. It can be said to form a dynamic meditation or relaxation. Laughter increases the level of serotonin there by it can be a best antidote for stress. The one benefit almost everybody derives is a sense of well being. After 15 minutes of laughter in the morning, one can feel fresh throughout the day. There is no medicine like laughter, which gives such an instant result. The reason for the sense of well-being is the inhalation of more oxygen while laughing.

Laughing brings people together and improves interpersonal relationships. Laughter improves self-confidence and also helps to develop personality and leadership qualities.