Laugh Your Way to Good Health

In a world full of problems, with the complexity of politics, the present state of the economy, and the stress factor involved with all of that and more, there is a cure all remedy that doesn’t cost one dime.

It’s laughter. Good old fashioned laughter. You don’t need a prescription from your doctor or even a physical. You can just dive into the lightheartedness of happiness and joy expressed through laughter. You’ll find it to be priceless, fun and free.

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good hearty laugh relieves physical 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.

Can you remember, as a child, having a “happy good time”; just laughing and laughing almost sometimes to the point of tears? Who said that one must grow and become so serious that one cannot take advantage of the intrinsic medicine given to us by our creator? That’s right we have a built in healing system attached to our bodies. It’s laughter. Babies begin smiling during the first weeks of life and even laugh out loud within months of being born. If you haven’t laughed since you were a baby, you can learn to laugh at any stage of life because laughter is a natural part of life, it’s innate and inborn.

Laughter is a natural pain reliever. The release of endorphins neurotransmitters found in the brain has pain-relieving properties similar to morphine.  There are three major types of endorphins: beta endorphins, found primarily in the pituitary gland; and enkephalins and dynorphins, both distributed throughout the nervous system.  Endorphins interact with opiate receptor neurons to reduce the intensity of pain: among individuals afflicted with chronic pain disorders, endorphins are often found in high numbers.  Many painkilling drugs, such as morphine and codeine, act like endorphins and actually activate opiate receptors.  Besides behaving as a pain regulator, endorphins are also thought to be connected to physiological processes including euphoric. Laughing has mental health benefits as well.  It adds joy and zest to life.  Eases anxiety and fear, improves mood and enhances resilience.  According to http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm.

I certainly am not suggesting that anyone discontinue taking medicine prescribed by the doctor. I’m only suggesting that we make us of the medicine we were born with. Using the best medicine, will help whatever has been prescribed by your doctor work that much better.

Quotations about laughter:

http://www.quotegarden.com/laughter.html

Seven days without laughter makes one weak. ~Mort Walker

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book. ~Irish Proverb

Remember, men need laughter sometimes more than food. ~Anna Fellows Johnston

The Holy Bible states that “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine”. Take another approach today and forever. Let each situation you face be dealt a hearty measure of laughter. It will make the difference in your life.

Take time out to laugh.

Tags: Healthy, Joy, Laughter
Posted in Merry Heart | | 3 Comments »