6 Surprising Benefits of Laughter, the Timeless Cure-All
Laughter transcends all the crap that we, human inhabitants of the earth, must endure by virtue of, well, being human. Indeed, a good, strong sense of humour can turn almost any situation around. A good chortle happens to be free of charge, and the glaring bonus is that it’s an in-built capacity, so no special equipment is required! Having a rough go of it this week/month/year? Chances are you need a hilarious change of perspective. The seriousness of life has its limits, after all.
So consider the following 6 benefits of laughter.
1. It stops stress and anxiety in its tracks.
In today’s nonstop modern world, stress hormones run amuck. Naturally, reducing your stress hormones sends anxiety and stress a running, lessening their impact on your body. So even though you had a fight with your significant other, stubbed your toe getting out of bed, and burned the bake sale cookies, your coworker’s sudden yet ultra on-point joke quickly altered your chemistry and made you feel better by sending you into an explosive giggle fit.
2. It’s part of your daily fitness plan.
This just in: laughter can help you tone your abs. When you laugh, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to what happens when you sweat through a set of crunches. Most would agree that laughing > ab exercises, but hey, they’re not mutually exclusive now are they? Laughing also raises your heart rate and you’ll burn anywhere from 10-40 calories over 15 minutes of laughter, according to the International Journal of Obesity.
3. It’s good for your heart.
Laughter is great cardio, particularly for people incapable of withstanding other physical activity due to injury or illness. When you get your heart pumping you burn a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow or moderate pace. It also lowers your blood pressure and improves blood flow, reducing your odds of having a stroke or heart attack.
4. It’ll grant you immunity.
Feel like you’re coming down with something? It might be time to hit a comedy show. When you laugh, you activate T-cells in your body designed to help you ward off illness. While chronic stress and anxiety causes chemical reactions in your body that can send your immunity plummeting, a nice ol’ laugh supercharges you with disease-fighting prowess, helping you stay healthy and energized.
5. It’s a natural painkiller
Endorphins are your body’s natural painkiller hormones, and when we laugh, we release them, which can help ease chronic pain and/or make us feel all warm and fuzzy, increasing overall wellbeing. Doctors have found that people with a generally positive outlook tend to fight off diseases more effectively than people who dwell on the negative. So yuk it up -- it may just extend your life! Not to mention, it’ll most definitely make said life more fun.
6. It facilitates bonding
Going on a hot first date? Or entering into a social situation with new people? Doing something that will elicit a laugh is an epic way to take the edge off, relieve your nerves, and increase your likelihood of bonding. Inspiring ideas include but are not limited to: funny movies, amusement parks, and good old-fashioned clowning around.
Bottom line: being able to laugh at ourselves in particular is nothing short of a superpower capable of overriding the sometimes terrible decisions we make or the less than glamorous moments of life. Why not keep stress and sickness at bayby choosing to get happy?
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.