Medicine has long recognized the health benefits of laughter. Here’s a reminder of such from Helpguide.org.:
Laughter is good for your health
- Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
- Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
- Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
- Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
So I try to begin each day looking to laugh.
One good way not to do it is to watch, say, the Today Show. There the laughs usually are forced and self-conscious. This morning Natalie Morales nearly split her undergarments reporting on a video of three rhinoceroses on the loose. At best it was only worth a chuckle. If that.
I get my daily fix of laughter by reading the Tribune funnies. This morning it was “The Argyle Sweater” that had me break into fits of laughter.
I do understand that what provokes a laugh might vary from person to person. But that being said, I encourage everyone to tickle their funny bones in any way they choose.
It just might prolong your life.
“Laugh, if thou art wise.” Martial: Epigrams II
Tags: Scott Hilburn
Thanks! For all the laughs you've given me from your writing, should I be calling you "doctor"?
Then I'd be getting the third degree.
You deserve the third degree :-)
Maybe you explained why the 9 a.m. hour of the WGN "News" is a clown show. Konrad and Toomey are Bozos without Bozo.