Laugh Your Way to Better Health

Want to know a fun way to improve health and reduce stress? Try a littler laughter. Studies have shown that there are several medical and psychological benefits from laughing. Many of the benefits of laughter are discussed below.

Laughing ten to fifteen minutes a day can burn an extra 40 calories. A person can also feel younger, since laughter reduces the rate of cellular decay, which slows down the rate of aging. To also slow aging, the affects of laughter include better mental function, improving mental alertness, memory and interpersonal responsiveness.

Laughter reduces cortisol, which is a hormone that causes stress. On the other hand, laughter increases endorphins, which make a person feel happy. To also combat stress, laughter secretes an enzyme that protects the stomach from forming ulcers.

Laughter increases the body’s T-cell count. (T-cells are cells of the immune system that kill outside invading bacteria that are harmful to the body). During flu season, consider that laughing can increase antibodies in saliva, which combat upper respiratory infections. Generally speaking, laughter helps the body fight infection.

Laughter helps blood vessels function better, and reduces blood pressure and heart rate. It enhances blood oxygen levels and boosts circulation. Also, since cancer needs an oxygen-depleted body to survive, laughter is important in combating cancer. By increasing the heart rate and blood pressure, circulation is increased, causing a rise in the volume of oxygen and nutrients that are provided to the tissues. Another benefit is that laughter releases endorphins, which provides natural pain relief.

Laughter is also linked to lower blood sugar levels after a meal in Type 2 diabetes. Laughter aids ventilation and helps clear mucus plugs, which is good for respiratory conditions like emphysema. It also eases muscle tension, which can be good for rheumatism. Laughter can be considered an exercise, since it conditions the abdominal muscles. And, it can also help to relax the muscles throughout the body.

Consider that one way to help others with their mental and physical health, is to tell a good joke. Or any time that someone feels stressed, they can simply recall a funny moment in time. Or perhaps they can enjoy a good comedy, either in the form of a book, movie or television show. A simple change of perspective to one of laughter can reduce stress, help a person to feel younger and more positive, boost their immune system, and provide a host of other natural benefits.

Kathy Balland has a passion for helping others to transform their lives. As a certified hypnotherapist and a transformational life coach, she assists her clients on a holistic level, with any obstacles they may experience, to help them reach their goals. In addition, Kathy has a unique talent for writing, and she creates CDs that are enjoyable as well as beneficial. Her current CD is Drive Your Weight Down (Weight Management While You Drive). For a free self-hypnosis guide, or to purchase the CD, visit her website at: blissfulrenewal.com blissfulrenewal.com

Tags: Heart

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Tags: Heart