Have you ever heard laughter is the best medicine? There are actually many health benefits associated with laughing, including for people living with cancer. According to HelpGuide, “Laughter makes you feel good. And this positive feeling remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.”
Don’t hold back, let that laugh out! The following are five positive effects that laughter can have on the physical and emotional health of a person living with cancer:
- Boost immune system – Laughter helps to lower stress hormones and increases infection-fighting antibodies which improve your disease resistance.
- Relieves pain – The release of endorphins produced naturally by your body when laughing makes you feel happy. These hormones promote an overall sense of wellbeing and can temporarily relieve pain.
- Restores many organs – Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air which stimulates your heart, lungs, muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
- Stress relief – Laughter can help with stressful situations and may also alleviate negative feelings. Laughing can help your body eliminate the hormones associated with negative thoughts and emotions and replace them with good hormones that aid in positive feelings.
- Release physical tension – Your body becomes physically tense when experiencing stress. Laughter has been proven to relieve physical tension and stress and leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed for up to 45 minutes.
You won’t stop laughing at Gilda’s Club Westchester Annual Night of Laughter on Wednesday, March 2, at Gotham Comedy Club. Doors open and drinks start pouring at 6:30PM. The comedy kicks off at 8PM. Tickets include the comedy show and an open bar. Food will be available with no minimum charge. To purchase tickets, sponsorships, or raffles visit https://gildasclubwestchester.salsalabs.org/2022nightoflaughtercopy1/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0mzfcExfKeT8SR7YIFwzLf7fUpN1GAr7N3qvEhiT_Fj1X8gXZdVL__BVc.