Research has shown that laughter can reduce a person's levels of a stress hormone, cortisol, by up to 50 percent, Debbie Hague, president of the Columbus-based Professional Education Plus, said. High levels of stress hormones suppress the body's immune system, making one vulnerable to illness, she said. Hague spoke at Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center to local nurses Monday afternoon and then last night to a meeting of Smart Hearts, a support group of people with heart problems and their families. Other benefits of laughter include improved circulation and muscle relaxation and an increased metabolism, which causes the body to burn calories faster, she said. To enjoy laughter more, people have to rid themselves of such messages.
Research indicates children laugh hundreds of times a day.
Adults laugh 17 times a day on average, Hague said. It can helps defuse verbal aggression by others, she said. Share fun and laughter with others. Tell jokes and stories. Post clever signs and stickers at home and at work.