Why Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine!

Hiya!

Right, are you ready for the funniest joke "in the world"?*

Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed.

The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, "My friend is dead! What can I do?"

The operator says "Calm down. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead."

There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says "OK, now what?"

And as you sit there and shake your head and laugh, stop for a moment to think about how you're doing yourself a favour.

According to scientists, humans are the only species capable of laughter and the average person laughs approximately 17 times a day.

It gets better - Can you believe that laughing 100 times is equivalent to a 10 minute workout on a rowing machine!?!

While laughter has also been shown to help

- reduce the level of stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol)

- increase the number of circulating feel-good hormones like endorphins

- boost immunity (enhances the effectiveness of T-cells)

- increase vascular blood flow

- and increase oxygenation of the blood,

It also is a good mental and/or emotional release and can also give your body a great internal workout (remember the last time you laughed till your belly hurt?!).

So, grab a few mates together or call up your best friend and share a joke today!

Yours in health until next time!

* World's Funniest Joke. Source: www.google.com.au and www.laughlab.co.uk.

How the Humble Cup of Tea May Save Your Life....

Hi and Welcome to 2010!

Stop! Before you read this article, do me a quick favour and run over to the kitchen and put the kettle on, because....

Today's blog is inspired by something that is just as ancient as the practise of massage and linked to our Relaxation Tip No 2: Have a cup of tea and a chat with a good friend.

Not only will this give you some quality time out with your friend, you're also secretly doing yourself a world of internal good.

Ever since tea was first infused, over 4700 years ago in ancient China, there has been many health benefits attributed to this humble plant, Camellia sinensis.

There are many varieties of tea, however the most popular types are Green and Black tea, followed by Oolong (red) and White tea.

There are also many flavours of Herbal teas available, however they are not strictly "tea" as they are not derived from the same plant. They are instead, an infusion of herbs, flowers, fruits, spices or other parts of other plants.

The colour of your tea will depend on how long it's been processed. Green and White tea are steamed quickly before being packed, and therefore are the least processed and will contain the most amount of anti-oxidants. Black and Oolong tea are partially dried, crushed and fermented prior to packaging, and will have a darker quality to it.

The main benefit of drinking tea is attributed to its content of polyphenols - a chemical which is found in the leaves of the plant, which contains the anti-oxidants.

Numerous scientific studies have claimed that tea is able to help the body

- prevent oxidative stress

- lower cholesterol levels

- boost mental alertness

- increase metabolic rate

- boost its immune system and

- protect against cardiovascular disease.

Tea has also been proven to have anti-cancer properties.

SO, now that the kettle's boiled, why not call a friend over to share a chat and a cuppa while you kick back and relax in the knowledge that like having a massage, it's you taking the time out to look after you.

Yours in health, until next time!