International Moment of Laughter day-April 14

What the world needs now…is some laughter!

It’s the healthiest thing you can do!!

April 14 every year is International Moment of Laughter Day, a day to remind people to laugh out loud every day. Originator Izzy Gesell says laughing out loud is as essential as breathing. He says, “Laughter comes right after breathing as just about the healthiest thing you can do. It relieves stress, instills optimism, raises self-confidence, defuses resistance to change, and enhances all your relationships. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life.

”If laughing isn’t your thing, try doing one of these:

  • chuckling
  • giggling
  • snickering
  • cackling
  • cracking-up
  • belly laugh
  • snorting
  • tee-heeing
  • playing with a pet

Laugh out loud or make someone else laugh.  It’s music for the soul. It reduces heart disease, improves breathing, is a natural pain killer, gives you good sleep, decreases stress and makes you look young!

Laughter is good for your health

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

Life is too short to be serious all the time.  Life is better when you’re laughing!

McGregor health and wellness tip for the month!