How Important is Laughter?
Posted: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
by Gerry Hopman
humor-laughter.com
Nothing is more important than your smile and your laughter. They are your personal signature and are totally unique to you.
Babies start laughing when they are 10 -12 weeks old. When they laugh their whole body moves and bounces. Everything in their small bodies is engaged in a laughter that's innocent, pure and contagious.
Children at the age of 5 laugh on the average 400 times a day. Unfortunately that greatly diminishes as they get older. Adults over the Age of 30 laugh on the average only 4 - 6 times day.
The physical benefits of laughter are phenomenal. It stimulates the brain, the nervous system, the respiratory system, the hormonal system, and the body's muscles.
In addition, it lowers blood pressure, lightens depression, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress.
For us to stay healthy, we need to release build-up tensions. Many people release these tensions by doing Yoga, Tai Chi, or Meditation. There is however a simpler way and that is laughter.
When we laugh, even just chuckle, the entire body works towards improving your health and well-being.
Laughter is also a pain reliever, as it triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, which provide a temporary distraction from the pain. ( for more information on this, see my website http://www.humor-laughter.com 'Norman Cousins' page )
Medical professionals have recognized the powers of laughter and are starting to introduce humor in the treatment of patients.
Laughing is totally natural: it's organic, naturally sweet, 100% wholesome, has no chemicals, no preservatives, no artificial additives, you don't require batteries, it's low in energy consumption and high in body energy gain, it's non-fattening, it's non-polluting, free of cholesterol, trans-fat and saturated fat, you don't have to join an expensive health club and wear ridiculous Spandex outfits, you can practice it 24 hours a day, and there is absolutely no cost.
To stay informed about the countless benefits of humor and laughter, visit Gerry's website http://www.humor-laughter.com and sign up for his monthly newsletter - 'The Humormesiter's Forum' and receive a FREE e-book 'Manage your stress with humor and laughter.'
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Hi Gerry.I am a true believer of the importance of laughter. I will print and frame your article and hang it right next to my mirror so that before I can even comb my hair, I will have a smile and a laugh first thing in the morning (pray, smile and laugh) LOL.Well done, great article, I liked it so much I joined your club and I will sign up for the newsletter. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.May your day be filled with sunshine and laughter.Best regards to you and yours,Nenita
Hi Gerry,This is a fabulous article. I have got to a stage in my life when laughter has become of more vital importance than ever before. I am in fact contemplating leaving Leaving to be a stand up comedian. And now here I am reading your wonderful article.Wow! It's great. Can't wait to read some more of your work. Will stick this on as one of my favorites. Thanks so much.Elfreda
This is very good information to have about something that you've so well-defined its benefits. "Nothing is more important than your smile and your laughter. They are your personal signature and are totally unique to you." Laughter IS a healing balm. Consider me an addict not a hyena, of course! *grinning* I'll make sure to visit your website.
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