Laugh out loud to live long and strong

Cinzia Cuneo 10 maggio, 2011 salute

Laughter is a key element of a healthy life. No matter what you are facing, you can learn to laugh and benefit both physically and mentally.

Here’s what the experts know about the health benefits of laughter:

Physical benefits:

People who say they laugh a lot also tend to be in good health and also feel well. Laughter is also one of the most commonly used complementary therapies among cancer patients. Some studies show that when you laugh there is an increase in oxygen-rich blood flow in the body, possibly due to the release of endorphins, which counters stress and negative feelings.

Mental health benefits:

• Although you probably can’t laugh off depression, studies show that laughter and a sense of humour do fight against the negatives of life that could lead to depression.

If you are facing tough times, you may not feel like laughing, but making a conscious effort to laugh, will help.

Here’s some suggestions:

• Rent a funny movie, watch a funny sitcom or a sketch on YouTube, read some comic strips
• Spend time with an amusing friend
• Stay close to kids, their giggling can change adult seriousness within seconds
• Look on the light side: Recall some good times that have made you laugh in the past.

And remember: Laughter is free (and contagious – just like the laugh of Henri Salvador)

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.