April 13, 2013

A-Z 2013 the letter L

Do you love to laugh? I remember watching this Mary Poppins movie when I was a kid. They were all singing and floating on the ceiling laughing and I was laughing along with them. Seriously I thought it was hysterical; actually I still do.
My "L" word for today. Laugh- laughter.


I don't know about you but I have a group of childhood friends from the beach and whenever we get together there will be laughter. Intense, tearful I'm getting hiccups, stomach ache type of laughter. Have you ever laughed so hard your drink went up your nose or you cried real tears? Oh brother you should see our get togethers.

I can't imagine you haven't experience this yourself.
Have you had a good laugh lately?

How did you feel afterwards?
Happy?  Relief?  Calm?

Want to know some of the other benefits of laughter?














THE MEDICAL BENEFITS TO LAUGHTER
  1. When we laugh we get a mini workout we tense our muscles and increase oxygen to our bodies. We even burn a few calories too!
  2. Laughter helps keep our immune systems healthy raising our ability to fight infections and boosts our immune cells. 
  3. People with chronic illness that results in pain have been quoted as saying laughter helps relieve pain for periods of time.
There was even a small study that showed lower blood sugar in participants who watched comedies as opposed to drams. (who knew!)

THE EMOTIONAL BENEFITS TO LAUGHTER
  1. Laughter releases stress  hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline),dopamine as well as endorphins.
  2. Laughter provides physical release.
  3. Laughter provides a positive distraction from negative feelings. Need to cry? Maybe a good laugh will do the trick to release those pent up emotions instead.
Feel connected? Would you rather be with a person who is smiling and laughing or frowning and crying. Lets face it being positive gives us a connection to others and that's a good thing for us.

TURN THAT FROWN UPSIDE DOWN

If you're feeling blue here are a few tips to turn that frown upside down.
  1. Get some sunshine and fresh air.
  2. Watch a comedy with someone you love. 
  3. Laugh with some friends.
  4. Laugh at yourself, believe me there's a reason!
  5. Fake it till you make it! I know this sounds hard to believe but plaster a fake smile on your face it might actually help you feel the real thing.










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19 comments:

  1. I love to laugh and to make others laugh. My laugh is very loud and obnoxious but just feels great to just go for it.

    Came by from Tales of the Reborn Crafter

    http://talesofthereborncrafter.blogspot.com/

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    1. My mom has one of those,..I can hear her in a crowded room kinda laughs too MaryAnn. I love that kind of laugh!

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  2. The laughs that bring you to tears are the best kind. I'm glad that you have friends like that :)
    I'd tell you what happened yesterday that involved my son and his hilarious innocence...but...ummm...well...yea.

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    1. I can imagine! That kid of yours should be cloned and sold, he is so darn adorable.

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  3. Best post of the A to Z yet!!! Oh I love to laugh and it instantly turns my mood around! And it burns calories? Heck, yeah!!! Love it! Happy A-to-Z 2013! ~Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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  4. It is so great to laugh, smile and I've also used no. 5, plastered the smile on when it was the last thing I felt like and it helped me get through.

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  5. I love the moments when something is so funny I laugh until my insides hurt. That's the best laugh.

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  6. Jen you have given me the best laugh because you would think we were in cahoots as Ive written nearly word for word the same post as you. Shows that great minds think alike! We are so alike!

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  7. Laughter is truly the best medicine!! Great post!

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  8. My sense of humor and laughter has gotten me through some pretty tough times! I couldn't agree more.

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  9. Oh! I always feel calm and peace after those moments. :)

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  10. Laughing with my mom and sister is the best!

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  11. My laughter usually comes with tears even if its just a little one. It's kind of embarrassing - you know like if to the other person "it wasn't that funny" but tears are coming out of my eyes. So as for watching a comedy with someone (like my husband) sometimes I think I'd get a better "workout" watching it by myself. I tried to watch This is 40 with him, he didn't laugh at any of the things I thought was funny. We didn't finish it. I need to get it again and watch it myself - burn a few calories.

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  12. Hi Jen. So agree with your assessment of laughter. Nice the way you broke down the benefits and you give some great tips on turning things around. Laughter has so many health benefits on so many levels. It is sad so many people find it hard to do. They need to get involved with A to Z! Great post. Thanks. God bless, Maria at Delight Directed Living

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  13. Thanks for the reminder. The ladies at work are pretty good at helping me get my regular dose of laughter. It does do wonders, and it's much better to laugh than cry.

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