Laughter is a great stress buster and tension reliever – so much so that many medical professionals point to laughter and humor as having pain reduction and healing properties. Like yawning, it also seems to be contagious. There’s no doubt that it’s social – we see examples every day of how one person’s laughter can spread from person to person, even to a large group.
The non-profit HelpGuide.org list the following benefits to laughter.
Physical Health Benefits:
- Boosts immunity
- Lowers stress hormones
- Decreases pain
- Relaxes your muscles
- Prevents heart disease
Mental Health Benefits:
- Adds joy and zest to life
- Eases anxiety and fear
- Relieves stress
- Improves mood
- Enhances resilience
Social Benefits:
- Strengthens relationships
- Attracts others to us
- Enhances teamwork
- Helps defuse conflict
- Promotes group bonding
This excellent article also includes tips for adding more humor and laughter into your life, developing your sense of humor, using humor and play to overcome challenges and to enhance your life. Check it out.
Meanwhile, we offer a video clip on laughter to get you started.
LAUGHS! from Everynone on Vimeo. Directed by Daniel Mercadante, music by Lullatone. This was made completely of clips found on the web.
ESI EAP offers 24-7 access to counselors and a wide variety of support resources for employees and family members who are facing difficult health challenges. We also offer wellness benefits and health risk assessments, including discounts for weight loss programs, exercise and nutrition programs, and stop smoking programs. If you want to learn more about how ESI can provide more employee EAP benefits and more employer services, call us at 800-535-4841.