The benefits of laughter - the St. Bernard's way (it's our mental health aware ness week)

Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner. 

It’s fun to share a good laugh, but did you know it can actually improve your health?

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving you muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Mr. O'Leary is always trying to smile and laugh!

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter can protect the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect against certain cardiovascular problems.

Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

Laughter can help many things!

We know it is certainly not easy St. Bernard's but a smile costs nothing and can go a very long way - it can lead to laughter also. Don't forget to look our for the latest lockdown week 5 video clip from Mr O'Leary - coming your way soon.