It should come as no surprise that negative emotions like anger, depression and anxiety can have an adverse effect on your heart and overall health. But did you know that positive emotions and attitudes like happiness and having a well-developed sense of humor can significantly decrease your risk of heart disease or a debilitating cardiac event? In fact, recent studies have demonstrated that laughter can actually reduce arterial inflammation and improve blood flow to the body, easing your heart’s workload
in the process.

Here are a few ways looking at the lighter side of life can make your heart both healthier and happier.

Stress Slasher – When you laugh, your brain releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins that help you to relax and banish stress. Endorphins can also protect your heart by helping reduce your blood pressure.

Immunity Booster – Laughing increases the number of antibody-producing cells in the body, resulting in a stronger immune system. If you do get sick, your body is much more efficient at getting you healthier, faster!

Balancing the Scales – Laughing more can help you maintain a healthy weight, and by extension, a healthy heart. Not only does having a good laugh banish the stress hormones that cause weight gain, but you burn quite a few calories in the process!

Keeping the Flow – Laughter causes the release of nitric oxide, a chemical that dilates blood vessels and increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, improving muscle and brain function, and relieving stress on your heart.

Seek out those things you find funny and have a good laugh at least once a day – your heart will thank you for it!

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