Monday, June 28, 2010

Wonder of Laughter - The Best Medicine

The Great Pumpkin had commented here a while ago about laughter being the best medicine. Apparently laughter does induce physical changes in our body chemistry and hence can help us deal with a variety of ills physically as well as emotionally. Here are some ways in which laughter helps:-

Regulation of stress response - hearty laughter fires up and subsequently cools down our stress response resulting in relaxation and a feeling of well being.

Stimulation of organs - laughing enhances our oxygen intake and stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles and increases the endorphins released by our brain.

Pain reduction - laughing has been shown to promote production of natural painkillers in our bodies that ease pain.

Soothing tension - Laughter soothes and relaxes tension which leads to better digestion, improved circulation, and reduction of physical symptoms of stress including stomachaches.

Strengthening the immune system - Laughter and positive thinking cause release of neuropeptides that aid in regulating stress and fighting stress related illnesses.

So..... the experts highly recommend that we all give laughter a try :-}. If it does not happen spontaneously, well, stand in front of a mirror and go ahead and push up the corners of the mouth until you are laughing. Have a hearty laugh and feel - more relaxed and confident to deal with whatever life has to offer! Researchers find that children laugh a whole lot more than adults do; it is time that we follow their example - live, love, and laugh a lot :D!

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