Laughter

There is something about laughter that is such a release...physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is de-stressing and just plain enjoyable. Laughing does many things to your body...you take in more oxygen enriching your blood; immunogobulins and killer T-cells are increased, boosting your immune system; endorphins, feel good chemicals in your body, are released helping you de-stress; laughter positively affects diabetics, cancer patients, and heart patients among others; it is used in psychotherapy; in exercise programs to encourage weight loss (laughing can be quite a work out as you contract and release your muscles)....laughter classes are popping up all over the place, there is even Laughter Yoga!! Remember the movie "Patch Adams"? Robin Williams played a character that was based upon a real life doctor who uses humour and laughter in his medical practice, he was a pioneer in this area of medical therapy.

What makes you laugh? Seriously, think about it....Comedy Central? jokes? blooppers? Sinbad? your brother? (My brother is generally hilarious - cheap entertainment at its best:) Something that always makes me laugh without fail, is the sound of babies laughing. I smile now just thinking about it.

It is said that children laugh around 300 times in a day, while adults only laugh about 15 times in a day...and I don't know what defines "real" laughter, but I am guessing that the belly laugh that children so easily produce occurs far more often in a day than the belly laugh of adults. Come to think about it, I am not even sure that I laugh 15 times in one day! (...Not 15 belly laughs.) I will have to work on that. How about you? Improve your health, de-stress, and let yourself engage in hearty laughter! Remember that saying, "Laughter is the best medicine"? It is for your own good!


All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Please seek your physician before starting any exercise program.