We all enjoy a good joke. There have been many studies done on laughter, and how good it is for you. Did you know that laughter actually increases memory and learning? Reader’s Digest has a column by the name of Laughter, the best medicine. We all know how good you feel after having a good laugh. There have been so many times that I have been watching a good comedian on TV, and I have laughed so hard, that tears come to my eyes, and my sides have started hurting. But it is all fun. I would much rather spend my time laughing, than crying over bad news.
So here are just a few of the benefits of laughter:
- Lower blood pressure
- Increased vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood
- Gives a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles
- Reduces certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline
- Increases the response of tumor and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells
- Defends against respiratory infections–even reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva.
- Increases memory and learning; in a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores
- Improved alertness, creativity, and memory
So get together with you friends, and share the gift of laughter. If you know a few jokes, and are really good at telling them, then why not share them with your friends. They will thank you for it.
Remember this: an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but one thrown hard enough, will keep everything away!
Smiley Face (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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