Laugh out loud lately? Or at least giggle, chuckle, or crack a smile?
Nothing is more entertaining than the foolishness of the human spirit! Just another reminder to stop taking ourselves so seriously and enjoy life just a touch more. Actually, according to Science How Stuff Works, humans laugh on average about 17 times per day.
Followed by Norman Cousin’s theory on the positive health benefits of laughter, Dr. Lee S. Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan (researchers in psychoneuroimmunology and molecular science at Loma Linda University’s Schools of Allied Health and Medicine) furthered the research and found that repetitious “mirthful laughter… causes the body to respond in a way similar to moderate physical exercise. Laughter enhances your mood, decreases stress hormones, enhances immune activity, lowers bad cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, and raises good cholesterol (HDL).” According to Dr. Berk, “We are finally starting to realize that our everyday behaviors and emotions are modulating our bodies in many ways.”
Yet more reasons, healthy ones, to embrace one of life’s greatest feelings: a deep belly laugh! There is so much to love about laughter that it seems greedy to look for more, but that’s exactly what… Drs. Berk and Tan… have done. Get ready to get your giggle on!
Laughing lowers blood pressure
People who lower their blood pressure, even those who start at normal levels, will reduce their risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Reduces stress hormone levels
You benefit from reducing the level of stress hormones your body produces because hormone-level reduction simultaneously cuts the anxiety and stress impacting your body. Additionally, the reduction of stress hormones in your body may result in higher immune system performance.
Fun ab workout
One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone your abs. When you are laughing, the muscles in your stomach expand and contract, similar to when you intentionally exercise your abs.
Boosts T cells
T cells are specialized immune system cells just waiting in your body for activation. When you laugh, you activate T cells that immediately begin to help you fight off sickness.
Triggers the release of endorphins
Endorphins are the body’s natural pain killers. By laughing, you release endorphins, which can help ease chronic pain and make you feel good all over.
Produces a general sense of well-being
Laughter can increase your overall sense of well-being. Doctors have found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend to fight diseases better than people who tend to be more negative. So smile, laugh and live longer!
Please forgive this attempt to improve your health… (but only if you don’t laugh):
“I won’t be in today… I have Anal Glaucoma: I can’t see my ass coming to work.”
LOL!
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With respect and gratitude,
Barbara & your research team
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