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Humor is one of the24 character strengthsone can possess.
Even more so, this positive trait can also impact our health.
Laughing regularly helps us feel better physically and mentally, even offering social benefits.
Thomas Barwick / Iconica / Getty Images
This phrase sums up how taking the time to laugh can boost our physical health.
Here are a few ways it does this.
Improves Heart Health
Studies have associated laughter with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.
More recent research confirms laughter’s positive effects on pain.
Mental Health Benefits of Laughter
Laughter doesn’t only benefit us physically but mentally too.
Serves as a Distraction
What happens when you laugh?
You tend to forget about things that are bothering you.
This makes laughter a good way to take the focus off of the challenges you face.
It helps distract you, even if just for a moment, giving you a much-neededmental health break.
Did this make you feel more connected with your friends?
It’s likely that your answer is yes.
Just as with smiling and kindness, most people also find that laughter is contagious.
If you want more laughter in your life, these strategies can help.
The contagious effects of laughter may mean you’ll laugh more than you otherwise would have during the show.
Plus, you’ll have jokes to reference at later times.
Having friends over for a party or game night is also a great setup for laughter andother good feelings.
Find Humor in Things
Whenfacing life’s frustrations, venture to laugh about them.
Approach life in a more mirthful way to reduce your stress toward negative events.
Plus, simulated or self-initiated laughter turns into genuine laughter over time.
So, smile more and fake laughter if you better at the beginning.
You’ll still achieve positive effects, and the fake merriment may lead to real smiles and laughter.
Enjoy Humorous Media
There’s no shortage of laughter opportunities from entertainment.
you could find humorous media at the theater, as well as at home with movies and comedy sitcoms.
Watching funny moviesand TV shows is an easy way to get laughter into your life whenever you need it.
Share your favorites with friends and you’ll have something to reference and laugh about together.
Look for ways to laugh more in your life, enabling you to enjoy all its benefits.
Encourage your friends to do the same.
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