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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