Highly anxious individuals exhibited greater thickening of the arterial walls and were more often in need of repeated angioplasty compared to those who were less anxious. Chronically angry individuals were found to have an increased risk of heart attack and death. Finally, individuals experiencing elevated levels of stress had greater arterial blockage when compared to individuals experiencing less stress. The impact of humor was investigated further because of its apparent and reported impact on the emotional state of individuals. Since this research clearly linked distressing emotions with increased risk for heart disease and premature death, researchers hypothesized that a lifestyle that lowers distressing emotions could potentially lower these health risks and reduce premature mortality.
Depressed individuals report that when they laugh their depression dissolves.
Individuals who tend to be anxious frequently report that experiencing humor is a way to better cope and reduce anxiety. Most of us have experienced situations where we have been angry in a particular situation, and that another person has attempted to use humor to reduce our anger. As we receive the humor, our anger usually dissipates. Researchers further concluded that individuals who incorporate a humorous lifestyle into their daily lives are more likely to improve their overall physical and emotional health, thus maintaining optimal wellness. Bad Temper Harms the Heart.