Nothing is more fun than the experience of being deeply amused and breaking into uncontrollable laughter. In fact, it is now well-established that laughter truly IS good medicine! Recent studies reveal that laughter is a powerful antidote to the stresses of life, relaxes painful muscles, and triggers the release of endorphins.

What are endorphins, and why are they good for you?

Endorphins are natural peptides that interact with brain receptors, affecting mood and reducing the sensation of pain. In essence, these are natural “painkillers” produced by your body. Some of the substances in endorphins increase feelings of pleasure or even cause euphoria.

Stress and anxiety are known to be precursors to various types of illnesses and conditions. Laughter reduces the stress hormone levels in your body and can help you ward off the development of health problems. Laughing is good for both your attitude and your body health. Scientific American recently reported on a Norwegian study that found that a sense of humor reduces mortality rates and can help ward off cardiovascular disease and infections.

A Stressful Life

Many seniors spend many hours watching TV. This more sedentary activity can add to your stress level. News media outlets focus on providing the details of the most frightening stories from across the globe. While it is not advised to ignore what’s going on in life outside your home and community, it can be very detrimental to obsessively follow frightening news stories. Rather than turning on the TV first thing in the morning, it is healthier to take a walk – and avoid listening or watching any news stories early in the day. In colder climates, you may need to find an indoor area in which to walk, but sharing time and conversation with friends along with the physical exercise can help you feel healthier, happier, and better able to face the day ahead.

Less Stress = Better Health

If you find you are constantly worrying, it is important that you get proactive about improving your attitude. If you have health concerns, consider the options provided by medical alert companies. Rather than stressing out about the risks of a fall, equip yourself with a medical alert device so you can relax. These medical alert companies have come up with a full array of advanced features to match almost any need. You can find out more about these features by reading easy reviews rather than long, complex product descriptions.

Another way to improve your overall mood is to spend time with your more upbeat friends, rather than with those who consistently gossip, talk about health problems, or enjoy the latest stories about doom and gloom. Choose to spend time with others who make you laugh, like to enjoy a funny story, and take pleasure in making others chuckle. It’s good for your overall health – and your attitude! If you find yourself falling into a gloomy, depressed state, rather than asking your doctor to prescribe an anti-depressant, you can improve your own health by taking a walk, calling a friend, or arranging to spend time with people with a positive attitude.