Laughter is a wonderful medicine. It is completely organic, recyclable and absolutely free. There are those of us who laugh so much they run the risk of laughing themselves to death. But can you think of a better way to go?
A child laughs 100 times a day on the average, while an adult laughs only 5 times a day. Which is puzzling since laughter feels so good and is so good for us. You might know how laughter benefits the mind, but are you aware how much laugher can help you physically?
Norman Cousins used to say that laughter is so beneficial that it is like “inner jogging.” Mayo Clinic reports that laughter aids breathing by disrupting your normal respiration pattern and increasing your breathing rate. It can even help clear mucus from your lungs. Laughter is good for your heart. It increases circulation and improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout your body.
A good laugh helps your immune system fight off colds, flu and sinus problems by increasing the concentration of hemoglobin in your saliva. It helps control pain by raising the levels of certain brain chemicals called endorphins.
Have you ever laughed so hard that you doubled over, fell off your chair, spit out your food or wet your pants? You cannot maintain muscle tension when you are laughing and that’s why it’s a natural stress reliever.
The good news is that you are allowed more than 5 laughs a day. Go ahead and double the dose and make it 10 times today. You may begin to notice your relationships improving. Then double it again. You are bound to feel better. You will cope with problems more effectively and people will enjoy being around you more.
Namaste, my fellow life coaches and Anam Caras!
(We are all one, my soul friends)