A great laugher dies
On Monday, January 23rd, Mexican comedian Leopoldo Roberto García Peláez Benítez, artistically known as "Polo Polo", died at the age of 78.
His death makes us reflect on the importance of laughter, which in recent years has even been used as a therapy for depressive disorders and as a source of stress relief. As revealed by a meta-analysis article, that is, a review of thousands of articles related to the same topic, the journal Social Science and Medicine in its issue concludes that laughter has proven health benefits.
After several minutes of laughter and even guffaws, people begin to feel subjective benefits such as greater relaxation and positivism, however, there are bodily health benefits among which are the stimulation of the heart rate and therefore the circulatory system, an improvement in respiratory function by increasing oxygenation, in addition to presenting an analgesic effect due to the release of endorphins. Have you ever thought about how certain pains are "forgotten" while we laugh?
Having a fun time always lightens our soul and if shared with loved ones it allows us to strengthen those bonds of friendship. Attending a good dance class with friends can be a lot of fun, as well as organizing an afternoon or evening of board games. Of course, if you prefer a less crowded environment I share with you some activities that can stimulate genuine laughter: read a funny novel, play with your pet, cuddle a baby, go to the movies to enjoy a good comedy. Listening to podcasts or your favorite comedian's monologue can become your particular dose of endogenous endorphins and therefore your source of joy.
No matter what activity you choose, or that you just actively begin to fake a smile, I invite you to create joyful moments that together make a wonderful day and allow you to live a joyful and therefore healthy life.