When it comes to health, many – and for good reason! – think first of all about the diet. Indeed, a vegetarian diet is very healthy. What else? Undoubtedly, moderate physical activity (fitness, yoga or sports) for about 30 minutes a day. What else? Scientists have found that an equally important component of a healthy lifestyle is … laughter. At least 10 minutes of laughter a day seriously strengthens the body, doctors say.
It is scientifically proven that laughter – and even for no reason! – reduces the level of cortisol and epinephrine in the body – hormones that suppress the immune system. Thus, the more often you allow yourself to laugh heartily, the easier it is for your body to resist infections. 1Do not underestimate the importance of this natural and logical reaction – it is very powerful: so much so that it can even destroy cancer cells. In the United States, laughter therapy is officially recognized as one of the methods of cancer treatment and is widely used in special health centers throughout the country. If laughter can beat cancer, why can’t it?
From the point of view of psychologists, laughter allows you to adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances of life and find a common language with people. The inability to take these actions gives rise to what is usually called “stress” – a very malignant formation in the emotional background of a person, which causes a large number of diseases at the physical level.
It has been proven that laughter improves blood circulation and normalizes high blood pressure, preventing vascular sclerosis. Scientists have even calculated that watching a good comedy improves blood flow by about 22% (and a horror movie worsens it by 35%).
Laughter allows you to quickly burn extra calories. Just 100 short chuckles is equivalent to 15 minutes of exercise on a stationary bike!
Laughter normalizes blood sugar spikes after meals in people with diabetes. The mechanism of action of this scientifically proven phenomenon has not yet been established. However, for people with type 2 diabetes, the most important thing is that it actually works.
Laughter has also been found to be an excellent pain reliever. If your child has fallen, then the best thing to do is to come up and, making the most funny face possible, force yourself to laugh. Laughter not only distracts from an unpleasant situation, but also really relieves pain.
Scientists have also found that regular laughter: • Increases the ability to learn and remember; • Reduces aggressiveness; • Helps to relax muscles (this is used by doctors who give injections); • Contributes to the improvement of the lungs; • Improves digestion; • Helps to relax: 10 minutes of laughter is about equal to 2 hours of sleep in terms of positive effects on the body!
Laughter and the ability to laugh at yourself and everything else in this life is an excellent indicator of success and happiness. Laughter helps to “open the heart” and feel one with nature, the animal and the social world – and isn’t this the state of integrity and harmony we strive for as vegetarians?