Laughter is the best medicine: The health benefits of humor

         

The benefits of laughter have been scientifically proven. Scientists have studied brain waves and how they change the disposition in the brain’s happy centers. Harvard Medical School

began these studies in the 1970s, and other universities followed.

As you probably already know, endorphins— hormones secreted by the brain and nervous system, which have a number of physiological functions— activate the body's opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the “high” runners get after pounding the pavement. Well, laughter also releases endorphins— which is great news for people like me who find running difficult! Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and stimulate positive emotion. Their release is critical for stress relief, and therefore for our mental health.  

Laughter increases the oxygenation of the organs, boosts circulation, and contributes to an overall sense of well-being.  

I am not encouraging it, but you can make all of this happen while being a couch-potato! Just kidding. You've got to move your body, exercise and eat lots of fresh foods harvested from the earth.