Take Two Laughs and Call Me in the Morning

What medicine works fast, cures the blues, lowers blood pressure and much more?
What medicine can be found anywhere, can be shared with friends—you actually want it to be addicting—and is totally free?

LAUGHTER -- An interior convulsion, producing a distortion of the features and accompanied by inarticulate noises. It is infectious and, though intermittent, incurable.
Ambrose Bierce 1842-1914, American Author, Editor, Journalist, ''The Devil's Dictionary'' 

A funny thing happened on my way to work . . .
Go ahead . . . share a joke with your friends. If you hear laughter, ask what’s so funny. Laughter is contagious. It brings people closer together, lightens up a too-serious moment and makes us feel good. But it’s more than that.

Laughter is a powerful medicine that comes with many health benefits. It’s good for your heart, gives your body a healthy workout, improves brain function and is a great stress buster.

For the heart
A study from the Center of Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that laughter may help prevent heart disease. In the study, participants with heart disease were less likely to laugh at something funny, or even embarrassing. Living a life with less laughter apparently has its consequences. While it’s not yet known exactly how laughter protects the heart, studies have connected mental stress to increased chances of fat and cholesterol build-up.

Laughter has also been linked to lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels. After a good laugh, you tend to breathe more deeply and to send oxygen-rich blood and nutrients throughout your body. And you’ll experience a temporary state of relaxation, which can help you get a good night’s sleep.

For the body
A good, hearty laugh gives the muscles in your diaphragm, abdomen, face, legs, back and respiratory system a healthy workout. And you’ll burn calories too. It’s like spending a few minutes on a rowing machine or exercise bike — and way more fun!  In fact, laughter can be a superb aerobic exercise, according to Dr. William Frey of Stanford University. It stimulates the circulation and energizes the lungs.

For the brain
Humor gives both hemispheres of our brains a workout: the left side deciphers the verbal content of a joke, while the right side tells us whether it’s funny or not. Plus, when we laugh, we ease tension in our muscles, which helps keep the brain alert so we can retain more information.

For the emotions
Laughter is one of the best stress busters known today, one that gives immediate benefits. You simply cannot feel angry, depressed, anxious, guilty, or resentful while experiencing humor. It replaces distress with pleasure, and it helps us connect with others in a positive way. We talk more, make eye contact, and touch, which helps to dissolve anger and bring family and friends closer together.

Sometimes we spend too much time and energy worrying about everyday stuff. Our problems feed off each other, making them seem bigger than they really are. Try putting your problems on hold for one day, and bust a gut with a night of laughter. The next day, your problems may not seem as overwhelming.

Spice up your life with humor
Here are a few ways to incorporate humor into your life:

• Read the comics in the morning and save the headlines for later.
• If you hear laughter, slide over and join in.
• Don’t take yourself so seriously; try to find a little humor in every situation.
• Take your next date to a local comedy club or catch the latest funny movie.
• Invite a few friends over for a rip-roaring evening of sustained laughter.
• Find a comedy show you like on TV, and end each day on a positive note.