10 Reasons to Laugh, and Why Its GOOD FOR YOU!
1.
Laughter is a stress buster it reduces the levels of
stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol.
2.
Laughter strengthens the
immune system
The immune
system is important in maintaining good health by keeping infections, allergies
and cancers at bay:
·
Recent
research into effects of laughter by Dr. Lee S. Perk, Professor at Loma Linda
University, California, demonstrates that laughter will increase the count of
natural killer cells (NK cells a type of white cellj) and antibody levels.
·
Laughter
therapy helps to increase antibodies (Immoglobulin A) in the mucous of the nose
and respiratory passages.
3. Laughter is anti-aging.
·
It
tones facial muscles and expressions.
·
Laughter
causes an increase in blood supply to the face, which is why some people look
flushed. This nourishes the skin and
makes it glow.
·
People
look younger and more fun when they laugh!
4.
Laughter is aerobic exercise
Laughter
stimulates heart and blood circulation and is equivalent to any other standard
aerobic exercise.
·
Dr.
William Fry,
·
The
singular benefit almost everybody derives is a sense of well-being, because
more oxygen is taken in during laughter.
·
It
is an exercise regime suitable for all, including people confined to a bed or a
wheelchair.
5.
Laughter is internal jogging
Laughter
massages internal organs by enhancing the blood supply and increasing their
efficiency.
·
Laughter
exercises the abdominal muscles and helps to improve muscle tone.
6. Laughter is a natural pain killer Laughter increases the
levels of endorphins, the bodys natural pain killers. Norman Cousins, an American journalist who was
suffering from an incurable disease of the spine, benefitted from laughter
therapy in a situation when all painkillers were ineffective.
·
Endorphins
released as a result of laughter may help in reducing the intensity of pain in
those suffering from arthritis, spondylitis and muscular spasms of the body.
7. Laughter can help control high blood pressure Laughter helps to control
blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones.
·
Experiments
have demonstrated that a 10-minute laughter session leads to a reduction of
10-20 mm in blood pressure. This,
however, does NOT mean that patients taking 2-3 tablets for blood pressure
every day will be completely cured.
8. Laughter can help reduce depression and anxiety The stress and strain of
modern life takes a heavy toll on the human mind and body.
·
Better
sleep.
·
Reduced
depression. Some people claim they can
manage without prescribed anti-depressant pills and tranquilizers.
9. Laughter alleviates bronchitis and asthma Laughter improves lung
capacity and oxygen levels in the blood.
·
Laughter
Club members report a marked reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks.
10. Laughter just MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD!
Laugh, and the world laughs with you. How you react to life is up to you. Live life laughing!
~~Included with permission from Lynda Tourloukis, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and Leader~~