Have You Laughed Today?

 In Better Life, Health

Have you laughed out loud today? You should! More and more research shows that laughing is so good for us physically and mentally! It’s a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Check out these benefits of laughter:

  • relieves physical tension and stress
  • boosts the immune system
  • triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good
    chemicals
  • is good for the heart
  • counteracts distressing emotions
  • increases energy

Yet many of us (including myself) laugh less often and more quietly as we get older. My 8 year-old has no problem laughing and getting the uncontrollable giggles. I have much to learn from her. I am working on laughing louder (and not being embarrassed) and laughing more easily. I look for reasons to laugh – sometimes it’s a funny animal video on You Tube. One of my favorites is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWvefaN8USk (funniest at the end). Laughing is contagious so being around other people who laugh easily is helpful. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc. Laughter yoga is another option that is gaining in popularity and is great fun.

If you would like to learn more, check out this helpful article and get laughing!
http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm

 

Tina Hallis, Ph.D., is a professional speaker and consultant for The Positive Edge, a company dedicated to helping people and organizations fulfill their true potential using strategies from the science of Positive Psychology.

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