If there’s one thing I have to admit about my mother is that she was always right about this: Laughter Is The Best Medicine.

 If you can’t laugh about yourself and the things that happen to you - you’re headed for a heart attack or some other malady, it’s the way the body works. Laughter lightens the moment and strips away the seriousness that many of us approach life with; it releases the pain and chases away your personal rainstorms leaving a bright sunshiny day.

Scientists have also discovered that laughter strengthens our immune system and increases our cardiovascular flexibility. According to a doctor, laughter convulses our diaphragm, which in turn massages our internal organs. Massaged internal organs are happy internal organs and they cooperate by staying plump and juicy.

Doctor says that laughter also causes us to gulp in large portions of air, oxygenating our blood.  By laughing, we lose muscle control, which relaxes the skeletal system. According to Research, four-year-olds laugh 500 times a day, while adults laugh a mere 15; and so if we laugh as much as a four-year old, we’ve have the heart rate and blood pressure of that same child.

On top of all that, laughter causes the brain to produce hormones called beta endorphins which reduce pain and causes our adrenal glands to manufacture cortisol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory that’s wonderful for arthritis. Laughter also provides a catharsis, which means to purify or purge, to the emotions. It also brings about a spiritual renewal or release from tension.

All in all, when you’re feeling down and need a lift, try laughter. It may be hard at first, but just try laughing.  Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself laughing at your own laughter and the looks you get from your family members. They’ll begin to wonder what’s so funny and the corners of their mouths will crinkle up in the beginning of a smile. Now you’re laughing because they give you these quizzical looks wondering what you’re laughing about.

 Pretty soon, your laugh is real, your belly aches, the tears flow from your eyes, and the world takes on a different hue.

11:12 PM | Health, Talkin' |