Laughter Is Good for the Soul — and Brain

​Has the busyness of life and the complexity of technology got you stressed? Relax. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, underqualified and worn out, just laugh.
 
There’s nothing like a good belly laugh that makes your cheeks hurt and leaves you breathless. I can’t predict when that will happen, but sometimes I just get carried away with laughing — to the point that I can’t stop. And that’s not a bad thing.
 
I saw a quote by Doug Hall recently that says, “You can increase your brain power three- to fivefold simply by laughing and having fun before working on a problem.” That got my attention because I love to laugh.
 
The act of laughing changes brainwave activity, improving short-term memory. It also releases feel-good endorphins that give your brain an overall sense of pleasure. And it’s contagious and builds connections between people. I know some of my best memories have laughter at their core.
 
The best part is if I was stressed before a laughing attack, I’m not after. Laughter is an ideal stress release — and it’s free.
 
Laughter has a lot of other health benefits, too. According to the Mayo Clinic, It boosts your immune system, naturally relieves pain and increases happiness. If you’re feeling down, find something to laugh about; it will lighten your load.
 
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and laugh. You have nothing to lose.

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