9 Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter has often been said to be the best medicine. That statement is more than just a saying that has been around for a long time. There is actually a lot of truth in it. Modern research has found quite a number of ways that laughter benefits our health.

Laughter

• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces stress hormones
• Boosts immune function
• Raises the level of T-cells that fight infection
• Raises levels of antibodies that destroy disease
• Triggers release of endorphins - natural painkillers
• Decreases stress hormones
• Protects the heart
• Relaxes the whole body
  

Laughter Opportunities

With laughter having such healthy benefits, it is good to make sure that we laugh more often. Here are some strategies that can help you to increase the amount of laughter in your life.

• Laugh with friends. Laughter is contagious. Find things to do with friends that will create laughter and good feelings - go to movies, play games, tell jokes.
  
• Movies and other entertainment. Watching funny movies can be an easy way to get laughing.
  
• Keep a sense of humor about life. Instead of seeing all the negatives, find something to laugh about in every situation. This really reduces stress and increases the opportunities to laugh.
• Act as if. If you can't laugh for real, pretend until you can. Put on smiles and laughter gives the same results as real or spontaneous smiles and laughter. You still get the same positive results.

Laughter is free, and available at any time. It has tremendous power to heal and renew. It can foster good relationships, and support physical and emotional health. Be sure you get your dose of laughter each day.

Be happy
Jocelyn

10 Stress Reducing Techniques

Stress comes from many different sources. If stress is allowed to accumulate and get out of control it not only decreases our quality of life but creates illness in the body. If allowed to continue it has been known to shorten the life span.

Here are 10 different ways that might help to decrease stress.

1. Play some relaxing music.
2. Get plenty of sleep.
3. Eat a good diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. If necessary take a vitamin supplement.
4. Get some sunshine regularly.
5. Take a walk outdoors. Take time to enjoy the flowers, sunset, scenery etc.
6. Having soft squeezable items handy can help to release tension.
7. Take up a hobby. Find something that you enjoy doing and make time for it.
8. Running. Any form of exercise that is enjoyed will help to reduce stress.
9. Have a pet. Many people keep pets to help reduce stress.
10. Have an aquarium. Keeping an aquarium has been known to help to lower blood pressure and to relieve stress.

What ever method of stress reduction that you choose, it must be readily available. Choose something that will fit in with your way of life.

As a bonus tip I am told that playing computer games works to reduce stress but if they are played as a form of procrastination they will eventually increase the stress. So choose your stress reduction method wisely.

Enjoy life and have fun

Jocelyn