Laughter is often referred to as the best medicine, but did you know that it can also be a great way to burn calories? While laughing alone may not be a substitute for a regular exercise routine, it can be a fun and easy way to boost your metabolism and burn a few extra calories each day.

The number of calories burned while laughing varies depending on a number of factors, including your weight, age, and activity level. According to a study conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, laughing for 10 to 15 minutes can burn between 10 and 40 calories. This may not seem like a lot, but if you make a habit of laughing regularly, the calories can add up over time.

One of the reasons why laughing burns calories is that it activates the muscles in your face, shoulders, and core. Laughing also increases your heart rate and breathing, which can help to boost your metabolism and burn more calories. Additionally, laughing has been shown to release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can help to reduce stress and improve mood.

The number of calories burned while laughing varies depending on a person’s weight, age, and activity level. However, on average, laughing for 10-15 minutes can burn between 10-40 calories. This may not seem like a lot, but over time, it can add up and make a significant difference in your weight loss journey.

To understand how laughing burns calories, it’s important to understand the science behind it. When we laugh, our muscles contract and release, which increases our heart rate and oxygen consumption. This increase in heart rate and oxygen consumption is similar to that of light to moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling.

In addition to burning calories, laughter also has many other benefits for our overall health and well-being. Laughter can improve our mood, reduce stress, and boost our immune system. It can also help to improve our relationships, as laughter is known to bring people closer together.

Another way to burn calories while laughing is by engaging in activities that make you laugh, such as watching a comedy, reading a funny book, or spending time with friends and family. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, participating in activities that make you laugh can burn between 20 and 50 calories per hour.

Laughter yoga, also known as “hasya yoga,” is another great way to burn calories while laughing. This unique form of yoga combines deep breathing and laughter exercises to help improve overall well-being. A study published in the International Journal of Yoga found that participants who practiced laughter yoga burned an average of 120 calories per session.

It’s important to note that while laughing can help to burn a few extra calories, it should not be used as a replacement for regular exercise. Eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity are still the best ways to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

In conclusion, laughing is not only good for the soul, but it’s also good for the body. It can help to burn a few extra calories each day, boost metabolism, and improve overall well-being. So, next time you’re feeling stressed or down, try to find something that makes you laugh. Not only will it improve your mood, but it may also help you burn a few extra calories.