April 19, 2012

Good morning to all,

Listen - I know that we all go in and out of seasons where we fight for our very sanity and living a healthy lifestyle either happens or it doesn't. I get that! BUT - sometimes when life is intense and hard hitting, we need to sit down, slow down, lift our eyes up from our circumstances and realize the trap worry and depression are and embrace the healing power of laughter. We REALLY can't take ourselves too seriously, or sometimes we get consumed with our human frailty. I was reading about the value of laughter and thought I would share it with you. Maybe you're laughing a lot during this season, but in some seasons we will be walking through the valley of the shadow of death and finding time to grab a quick laugh helps us stay on the paths that we know are best. It brings LIGHT to our eyes and helps us realize that while LIFE can be a challenge, we are CITIZENS of another place and someday we will fight no longer - never worry again - never cry - never feel like "weighing the correct amount" is sooooo difficult - NO! Someday our new body will be embraced and all will be well. :)

BUT.......UNTIL then - let's laugh more. :) PK

Laughter is the Best Medicine
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF HUMOR AND LAUGHTER



Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
Laughter is strong medicine for mind and body
“Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health.”

~ Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D.

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.

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.