Research shows that laughter and humor could help lower systolic blood pressure -- the top number -- by about 10 points in just 20 minutes. And if you tickle your funny bone often, you could make your RealAge as much as 8 years younger.
Tickled Pink
In a small study, participants chose a 20-minute humorous video clip to watch. They also watched 20 minutes of a serious war movie. Then, researchers measured the participants' blood pressure. And watching funny videos not only lowered people's blood pressure but lowered their cholesterol levels, too. The serious war movie? No effect.
Humor and Health
How does laughter reach all the way into your insides and lower your blood pressure? It's all about stress hormones. When your funny bone is tickled, it reduces levels of stress hormones related to climbing blood pressure. And as an extra added bonus, laughing is good for your immune system, too. Try these other excellent ways to keep your blood pressure under control:
- Put on your walking shoes. Walking clears the way to a stronger heart.
- Press "play" and say "ahhhh." Combining music with breathing exercises soothes blood pressure.
- Put on the teapot. A cup of tea may be just what the doctor ordered.
