Laughter

Laughter is one of the less-known tools to help reducing stress. It is however powerful and easily accessible!

Laughter has many effects on our body. Here are some of the main exemples:

• Hormones release: laughter induces the release of various hormones, such as endorphins (body's natural painkillers) and oxytocin (bonding hormone). They counteract the release of stress hormones, thus helping to reduce the stress response.

• Muscles exercise and relaxation: laughter is triggered by contraction of muscles followed by a quasi general wave of relaxation in the body.

• Improvement of breathing: exhalations are longer when laughing, which clears the lungs of residual air. It is then replaced by fresh air containing a higher level of oxygen.

• Stimulation of circulation: it decreases blood pressure by enhancing vasodilation by reducing the destruction of the vasorelaxant nitric oxide.

• Strenghtening of the immune system: laughter increases the production and activity of immune cells.

The health benefits of laughter have been recognized since ancient times. It would be a shame to go without! To help you, here are 3 videos that are hard to resist. Enjoy!