Fit & Proper: Do you laugh enough?

Children laugh more than 300 times a day, whereas adults laugh less than 20 times a day. When we laugh, we release endorphins into our bodies, which are a natural opiate and help you feel good instantly. It is essential to give yourself a good belly laugh. Here is what laughter does for you:

Massages the face: All the facial muscles are put into action. It's like having a facial massage. It improves the vascular flow and lends freshness and glow to the face.

Strengthens the respiratory system: The muscles of respiration are brought into play - similar to an aerobic exercise.

Helps neuro muscular ending: All the muscles are put into exercise, including the leg and hand muscles. This helps in calorie loss and weight management.

Improves mental health: Laughter brings a good outcome in patients suffering from anxiety disorders.

Lowers blood pressure: Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones. It also works the muscles, leading to an initial rise in blood pressure followed by a more sustained drop. Blood vessels dilate and an increased amount of oxygen enters the circulation due to deeper breathing. Laughing 15-20 minutes a day helps improve the functioning of the heart.

Tones the stomach: Laughter can help one tone the abs. When one is laughing, the muscles in the stomach expand and contract, similar to when exercising the abs.

Improves cardiac health: Laughter is a great cardio workout, especially for those who are incapable of doing other physical activities due to injury or illness. It gets your heart pumping and burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace.

Boosts T cells: T cells are specialised immune system cells waiting in one's body for activation. Laughter activates the T cells that immediately begin to help you fight off sickness and killer cells. Studies are also being conducted to prove this immune-boosting property of laughter being helpful in the treatment of cancer.

Triggers the release of endorphins: Endorphins are the body's natural pain killers. By laughing, you release endorphins that help ease chronic pain and make you feel good.

Produces a general sense of well-being: When we laugh, we feel more positive, optimistic, hopeful, engaged and radiantly alive. As an adult, you will face age-associated memory deficits, but humour and laughter can improve your quality of life. It is one of the best ways for a physical and emotional release. Laughing takes an individual to a higher place where he can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, creative, joyful and balanced perspective.

K V Harish
MD, General Medicine, Apollo Clinic, Bengaluru