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Health & Fitness

Remember The Laughing Baby?

Learn more about the health benefits of laughter and why it is often described as "the best medicine."

The video at the above link went viral on the internet several years ago and has since left millions  of people in a state of bliss.

Laughter has frequently been referred to as "the best medicine." Humor, as a daily strategy, does much to affirm our health and improve our mood. Long-term studies point to the healing effects of laughter on our immune, circulatory and other bodily systems. Research has shown that laughter:

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  • improves circulation,
  • increases oxygen uptake,
  • boosts "t-cells" (white blood cells),
  • activates pain-killing endorphins,
  • aids digestion,
  • improves joint flexibility, and
  • positively affects one's mood and disposition to stress.

Recently I (Dennis) facilitated a Laughing Yoga class at Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Hospital. The class included didactic and experiential  pieces as part of a program for cancer patients and their families. As is often the case, participants remarked that this is the hardest they have laughed in ages. Some stated that this was the most they ever laughed. Moreover, they became aware of the euphoric feelings they were experiencing and how much physically better they felt in a short amount of time.

How did you feel when you watched the baby laugh or glanced at the above-pictures? Or perhaps, there is something you can recall which causes you to laugh hardily. Even the memories themselves may be arousing pleasant feelings in your body as you read these words.

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Here are some tips for incorporating humor more regularly into your life:

  • Make a commitment to humor daily.
  • Invest in what makes you laugh (TV Shows, Cartoons, DVDs, CDs, Joke Books,  Live Stand-Up Comedy, etc.)
  • Reduce or eliminate negative TV programming.
  • Associate with funny people!
  • Focus on what is humorous in practically any situation.
  • Mentally exaggerate trying situations with funny images, silly music or zany comments.
  • Take a lighter perspective on everyday life and challenges.

Including laughter as part of your overall health and wellness plan will likely increase  your well-being and just plain make you feel better!

Be well,

Angela and Dennis Buttimer

Angela and Dennis Buttimer are local counselors and coaches, registered yoga and meditation teachers, authors and facilitators of various cancer intervention programs. Visit their site at www.allthingsintegrative.com for more information.

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