How good is laughing? It’s although each time you smile and/or laugh, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain.
We encourage you to watch those funny cat/dog You Tube clips, hang out with people who delight you, and find happiness (and smiles) in all the small things.
Not only is it free, but there are plenty of benefits. We outline some below:
Relaxes the whole body
- A good laugh will relieve physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed.
Releases endorphins which makes you happier
- Endorphins are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Interesting fact – faking a smile or laugh works as well as the real thing—the brain doesn’t differentiate between real or fake as it interprets the positioning of the facial muscles in the same way. This is known as the facial feedback hypothesis. The more we stimulate our brain to release this chemical the more often we feel happier and relaxed.
Release emotions
- A good laugh can help you release emotions, especially those emotions that you might bottle up. Everything looks that little bit better after a good laugh and life can be seen from a more positive perspective. A release of endorphins can even temporarily relieve pain – bonus!
It’s attractive
- Laughter and smiling are also social mechanisms, by which we make friends and connect with others. It draws us closer together. Smiling also makes you appear more approachable. Interaction with others is easier and more enjoyable when smiles and laughs are shared, and these behaviours are contagious, making others feel better too, and make you a more appealing and attractive person to be around.
It’s contagious
- There’s no doubt about it, laughing is contagious. Isn’t it great knowing you can improve the lives of others just by laughing yourself? You laughter or smile can provoke a laugh or smile in others, at a time when they most need it.
Lowers stress
- Humour, and by extension, laughter and smiling, stimulates multiple physiological systems that decrease levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and epinephrine. By reducing the level of stress hormones, you’re simultaneously cutting the anxiety and stress that impacts your body.
So here’s the bottom line. Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Smiling and laughing are beneficial for your whole body and overall well-being. It costs nothing but creates much.
If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry and enhancing your smile through whitening, straightening or changing the look, feel and shape of your teeth, talk to one of our Lumino dentists. We will talk you through yours options, prices and compatibility.