Laughter Is Indeed The Best Medicine

The Joy Of Laughter
Good health is a treasure that many of us tend to take for granted, but as we get older we seek it and appreciate it even more. Many experts have had seminars and conferences dealing with health issues. Many audio-visual material and innumerable books have been produced claiming a knowledge of how to achieve and even maintain good health. However, I have discovered that there is one great tip that is often overlooked by the health conscious. It is simply the therapeutic effects of laughter. Which is the reason I chose the topic Laughter Is Indeed The Best Medicine.Tips On Laughter
Laughter is one of the most natural and spontaneous activities we can get involved with. It does not take much effort on our part, but it has been stated that the more emotional we become during an outburst of laughter, then the more therapeutic the effect.
Laughter is free, and it has no side effects, unlike the drugs being issued by the pharmaceutical companies. We do not have to remember to laugh, because it is merely a reaction to a stimulus such as a joke being verbally told or one remembered. Humor from cartoons, comedies or joke books are just as effective. Remember the saying 'laugh and the word laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.' I believe crying is also contagious, but laughter has far more power and it does more good.
Laughter is free. Since it does not cost s anything we do not have to budget for it, or do without it because we cannot afford it. There are no side effects associated with laughter. We do not have to worry about the fine print. There need not be any concern about treating one disease and then having new symptoms of another disease caused by laughter. It is an overwhelmingly enjoyable activity that comes with innumerable great benefits.
Why Is Laughter Therapeutic?
Experts have stated that when laughter takes place, the diaphragm contracts and expands sporadically to allow the lungs to accommodate the sudden increase and decrease of oxygen. This results in chain reactions in our bodies. The interchange of oxygen keeps the heart pumping faster thus circulating blood throughout the body and preventing sluggishness. In addition, the walls of the blood vessels expand during the process and so the blood flow increases. This can significantly reduce the risks of heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, though the effect is only momentarily, it is a great antidote for good blood circulation.
Laughter relaxes the muscles and massages the organs so it releases physical tension. It is even effective in reducing and relieving pain. It has been reported that patients diagnosed with migraines have been healed by simply engaging in regular tumults of laughter. It has been reputed to have the same effects as aerobic exercises. Therefore it is highly recommended as a mild form of exercise with the potential to reduce weight and maintain physical fitness.
Laughter forces us to eliminate negative thoughts momentarily, while we focus on the stimulus for laughter. It also reduces the hormones which are associated with stress. Fear, anger, guilt and other negative emotions are reduced or even eliminated during laughter. No wonder it is also known as a stress buster and an ideal way of maintaining good mental health. It effectively produces a feeling of well being or inward peace and satisfaction.
In addition, it boosts the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and it reduces the production of cortisol which would otherwise suppress immunity.
Certain natural chemicals, such as endorphins and neurotransmitters are released in the process which actually contribute to good health. Obviously, if laughter is not commonplace in our lifestyle, the effects are not significant in maintaining or even achieving good health.
Laughter is one of the most natural and spontaneous activities we can participate in. It does not take much effort on our part, but it has been stated that the more emotional we become during an outburst of laughter, then the more therapeutic the effect.
Laughter is free, and it has no side effects, unlike the drugs being issued by the pharmaceutical companies. It is a natural reaction of the body like yawning, breathing deeply and stretching. All these activities can be done anywhere and at any time. They all are of great benefit to the body, yet they are too often taken for granted. We do not have to remember to laugh, because it is merely a reaction to a stimulus such as a joke being verbally told or remembered. Humor from cartoons, comedies or joke books are just as effective.
There is a time to laugh and a time to cry, but I would prefer to laugh any day. The benefits of laughing far outweigh the benefits of crying. It is therefore a good idea to read books which promote good humor or watch comedies regularly. It is best to laugh with others as at social gatherings. There is usually a self-imposed clown or more who as the life of the party encourage laughter.
Laughter in not confined to one group of people who are defined by their age, culture, gender, race or any other criteria. Rather, it is in fact universal and so everyone can and should participate in a good daily dose of laughter. We will then understand and experience why laughter is indeed the best medicine.