“Remember laughing? Laughter enhances the blood flow to the body’s extremities and improves cardiovascular function. Laughter releases endorphins and other natural mood elevating and pain-killing chemicals, improves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to internal organs. Laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off disease, cancer cells as well as viral, bacterial and other infections. Being happy is the best cure of all diseases!” Dr. Patch Adams

Laughter is one of the very best parts of life! Not only does laughter make our days brighter, but it is a terrific boon for our health.

Did you know that…

-Laughter raises our endorphins–this feel-good-chemical boost can last for hours and even help our bodies deal with pain and inflammation! Laughter also increases empathy and bonding with the release of oxytocin.

-Laughing is excellent for blood sugar levels. A study out of Japan had diabetic and non-diabetic participants eat a meal and watch a completely humorless lecture and then have their blood sugar tested. The next day they had them eat the same meal and then enjoy a comedy show followed by more glucose testing. After the show that had the participants laughing, their blood sugar readings were much lower. The researchers believe that laughter both positively affects the neuroendocrine system and causes more glucose to go into the muscles.

-Laughter makes the immune system stronger and more vibrant. A study out of Indiana State University’s Nursing Center shows that the killer cell activity that prevails against dangerous viruses and bacteria is much more active when we laugh!

-Laughter helps lower the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. In cases of severe PTSD, the right-brain can be overwhelmed with hyper-vigilance and distress. According to clinical social worker, Joanne Strawder, laughing enables the right hemisphere of the brain to calm and cool; in addition it helps the left-brain to have higher functioning.