Sunday, March 20, 2011

Laugh for Health's Sake!


Laughter truly is life's best medicine. From releasing endorphins (natural painkillers) to improving blood flow to relaxing muscles and even easing anxiety and fear, there is nothing like a good laugh to make you feel better. Kids somehow already know this and master laughter pretty well. They laugh at things most adults roll their eyes at or try to stifle so they can remain an "adult". But I've got to ask - is that really working for us wiser and older individuals?

There is something to be said about finding the humor in bad situations. It doesn't take away the pain of the event but it certainly helps us cope and face the days ahead. When facing a tough week, consider flipping in a mindless, silly movie into your DVD player before you go to bed. Something with Mel Brooks, Monty Python, Eddie Murphy, or Will Ferrell - you get the picture. And allow yourself to actually laugh out loud, not just on the inside. Then see how you feel in the morning.

That's the thing - when we write LOL or LMAO after our Facebook posts or texts, how many of us are really laughing aloud? You're probably like me in that we smile then go on to the next structured part of our day. Now, I'm not saying to act like a lunatic at work laughing hysterically in your cubicle so everyone in the office will be thinking you need medical attention. But I am asking to truly consider laughing aloud several times within your day because it is truly GOOD for you!

We're going to have some fun on this Tuesday night at the Reading Public Library with my talk all about laughter, including funny video clips. I truly hope you'll join us. There is nothing like a laugh from down deep inside to lighten life's load. Here's a sample of something totally ridiculous to get you on the track to feeling better and reducing the stress we all feel in life. Hope you can take just under 2 minutes out of your day and hopefully laugh aloud with this PG-13 clip!

1 comment:

  1. What funny movies do you enjoy? I always get a good laugh from "A Fish Called Wanda," "Vacation," "Galaxy Quest," and "The Sure Thing". I also really liked the British version of "Death at a Funeral" (2007) and "The Visitors," a French film. Check them out!!

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