Quick Takes: Laughter

For the last few days I have been focusing on humor and so today I decided to share some of the actual researched benefits of laughter and options for finding laughter:

Laughter is Healthy Medicine! Take a look at this excerpt from http://helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm

Laughter is good for your health

• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
• Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Also, a sense of humor is considered one of the 24 essential character traits for positive living by positive psychology experts. It builds resilience and optimism, two things we all want for our children. 

Laughter clubs are springing up and have even been covered by CNN. The research shows that even fake laughter [without being spurred by jokes] offers huge health benefits.  Watch the you tube CNN report.  

Online laughs.  Laughter is contagious... If you don't have a laughter club nearby, and need to enjoy a good laugh [who doesn't] go online. Search videos for laughter. Google images. Seek out the healthy laughs. If you don't believe the way a good laugh makes you feel your spirits lifted, or if you don't believe that laughter is contagious then you must view this you tube classic. 

Go for it!   Laugh away.... at least once a day!

Image credit: elderoptionsoftexas.com