Friday, January 29, 2010

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.

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