With April Fool’s Day kicking off this past week, I thought it would be fitting to talk about perhaps the best drug of all: Humor. (Marc Kjerland/Flickr, Creative Commons)
With April Fool’s Day kicking off this past week, I thought it would be fitting to talk about perhaps the best drug of all: Humor.
Joking around and having fun is addictive, it makes you feel good and it’s more fun with people, so yes, humor is a drug. Medicines are also drugs. It’s simple! Laughter is the best medicine, and here’s why.
Laughter relaxes the body and keeps muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.
Laughter boosts the immune system by decreasing stress hormones and producing more antibodies, protecting you from diseases.
Laughter releases endorphins, the chemicals that make you feel good.
Laughter helps blood flow by increasing vessel function.
Laughter burns calories. #gainszn.
Besides that, the mental benefits of a good laugh are important. When you’re feeling down or having an off day, the sweet music of laughter can bring you right back on your feet.
That being said, the power of one person going through the effort to brighten someone’s day is important for all parties involved. I try my best to keep my general presence very light-hearted and filled with love. You never know when someone needs a small laugh to pick them up in an otherwise dull and depressing day.
As an extroverted person, I run off the energy I get from being around people, which is why being around people who make me laugh is crucial. My friends are wonderful, very happy people who always know how to have a good time and smile in every situation. These are the people I go to when I am under the weather. It is important to give that kind of support to the people you care about, especially if they give that to you.
Loosen up, laugh at the top of your lungs and keep smiling!
Armana Islam is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus and can be reached via email at armana.islam@uconn.edu.
