Laughter and Health

Laughter is not just about having fun. It is also great therapy for emotional and physical ailments. Laughter has a measurable effect on the human body. When we laugh, our body produces endorphins. Endorphins are our body's natural painkillers. They help to relax us and are responsible for cleaning out all the harmful, stress-related 'bad chemicals' from our body.
When we stress, our bodies produce chemicals that once assisted us in survival. Flight or fight was once the best survival plan and our bodies still respond to stressful situations by preparing to run or fight. These days neither of these choices is usually appropriate but we still have the chemicals in our blood stream. When this goes on for a prolonged period our bodies have trouble coping and we begin to get sick.
One of the best ways to de-stress is to have a good laugh. It helps rebalanced our blood chemicals. It helps to relax us and it is infectious. All those around you will feel like a good laugh, too. Laughter also helps those around us to relax. This is great in a social situation because everyone becomes more relaxed and any anxiety about a perceived threat is reduced. You are not just helping yourself; you are also helping those around you.
People are social animals and they need contact with other people. Babies that do not get enough physical contact fail to thrive. We are all the same in that regard. Get together with a group and have a good laugh. You will all benefit from the contact.
Laughter is also great exercise. When you laugh, you will need to breathe deeply. The muscles you use will get a great workout, too. If you remember when you last really laughed, you may remember your tummy muscles aching from the exertion. The increased blood flow is great for your brain as well.
Laughter is the perfect exercise. It has great benefits for your body and your emotions. It feels good to laugh and we should enjoy it more often.
Wendy Streater goes to http://aimforthestars.info/blog for good advice and ideas on motivation and inspiration.