Life gets so busy and stressful that we forget to smile, let alone laugh! However, if we knew the innumerable benefits of laughter, we would probably make an effort to laugh more every day. Did you know that laughter stimulates the immune system, increases oxygen levels in the blood, lowers blood pressure, and reduces levels of stress hormones?It not only promotes a sense of well being but also relieve us of our pains temporarily.

Laughter even helps with weight loss and makes you look younger. Now isn’t that something? Apparently, there are about fifteen facial muscles that work together to make you smile and laugh, which in turn increases blood circulation around the face :)These days there are even laughter yoga schools where people meet in groups and laugh as an exercise. Laughter cleanses your soul and reduces anxiety and depression.It also improves your memory, optimism, and self-esteem.

Some ways to incorporate laughter in your lives is to surround yourself with people who are humorous, fun, and positive. Watch funny movies that make you laugh until you tear up. Play fun games with your kids or pets.Give yourself and others a break during trying and difficult times.

Being hard on yourself or others around you will not help much. Finding humor or irony in a difficult situation might seem like overkill, but definitely helps in the long run. It would in fact give the confidence to overcome hurdles in the future. Let us reward ourselves abundantly with the free and natural medicine of laughter for a healthy mind, body, and soul as much as possible. Don’t settle for a smile, grin or chuckle but laugh out loud from the soul, which overflows and spreads around.

Here are some inspiring quotes on laughter:

“Life is not meant to be serious. Laughter is even more uplifting and healing than any form of prayer, meditation or chanting.” – Anita Moorjani