Laugh for Health
October 12, 2009 by Ederle
Filed under Health & Living
When was the last time you had yourself a really good laugh?
I’m talking the kind of laugh where your ribs are sore after, you can’t catch your breath, and there are tears streaking your mascara. If you can’t remember, then you are missing out on a number of holistic benefits for mind and body.
A good belly laugh does more than just tickle your funny bone. It relieves stress both mentally, with its release, and physiologically, by reducing at least four of the hormones associated with stress response (epinephrine, cortisol, growth hormone and dopamine).
And while an uncontrollable giggle relaxes the muscles in your body, it tightens the ones in your abdomen, sort of like an internal jog, circulating oxygen more efficiently and providing a bit of cardiac conditioning. This also helps to lower pressure naturally.
Lungs also get a good workout from laughter; when you laugh, you expel more air than you take in, resulting in a cleansing effect. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as emphysema will get the same benefits from laughter as they do from doctor-prescribed deep breathing exercises.
Mirthful laughter also boosts your immune system by activating your T-lymphocyte cells and antibodies, which attack viruses and other harmful intruders. And, on top of all of these benefits, one good belly laugh releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, proven to help alleviate muscle aches and pain associated with arthritis.
Nothing funny about your life right now? Here are a couple of tips to get you in the mood:
• Watch a funny movie.
• Get together with a close friend to reminisce about the good times.
• Have a favorite comedian, like George Carlin or Lewis Black? Rent yourself a stand-up DVD and just let go.
• Go see a local pee-wee football or soccer game … those little guys are sure to get you giggling.
• Log on at jokeoftheday.com – indulge in some mindless whimsy!
And the best part about letting go and laughing until you roll on the floor? It’s free. And has no side effects!
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Susana Cordeiro on Wed, 9th Dec 2009 8:54 pm
Bible says,”merry heart doeth good like medicine”! i agree!
Charity Lyman on Wed, 9th Dec 2009 8:59 pm
That was interesting to find out:) Normally when I get together with my family we laugh a lot so it is good to know it is healthy!!
Amanda Starr on Thu, 10th Dec 2009 2:26 pm
I’m not really a laugh out loud kind of person (honestly I snort when I laugh so get embarrassed by it) I guess I need to just loosen up and let it out.
Carmela P on Thu, 10th Dec 2009 4:06 pm
I can always count on my sister for fall-down, side-splitting, HOWLING laughter. We are both adults but she is the only person in the world that can take me back to that 6-year-old state of mind, where everything and everyone is hilarious.
My sister = good for my health… never would have imagined.
Elaina on Thu, 10th Dec 2009 4:53 pm
I didn’t know laughing was healthy for you. I will have to laugh a lot more.
Gianna on Thu, 10th Dec 2009 6:01 pm
It makes me feel great! No matter how awful I feel certain days I can count on my husband to get me laughing and feeling better
kathy dunaway on Thu, 10th Dec 2009 6:29 pm
I love to laugh and now I know that I need to do it more.I’m off to rent some funny movies right now.Thanks for the info.
Ederle on Fri, 11th Dec 2009 3:04 pm
Enjoy the movie! And yes…laugh
Ederle on Fri, 11th Dec 2009 3:06 pm
Humor is great for marriage. I wish you and your husband funny days!
Ederle on Fri, 11th Dec 2009 3:08 pm
That is so sweet Carmela! A sister’s love is truly unique. Have you considered grabbing a nice Sacred Glo candle as a gift for your sister who appears to be wonderful. She deserves the very best