Health corner
February 10-16, 2014
By April Sherrill
This column was originally published Feb. 17, 2012 in the Daily Record.
Charlie Chaplin, a famous comic from the silent era, once said “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” In the present time, it seems as if there are many more things to worry about rather than laughing about. Everything ranging from work problems, family problems, over commitment, children, and financial burdens – you name it and people are stressed about it.
The Web site www.CDC.com released a study conducted from 2005-2008, stating that eleven percent of Americans ages 12 and over were taking an antidepressant. The most mind blowing statement in the study was that the use of antidepressants has risen a whooping 400 percent within the last two decades.
The incredible rise in the antidepressant use has many health care officials thinking Americans are over-medicated. Many people on antidepressants are most likely, lacking the very natural way to relieve stress. Although more research is still needed, many health care professionals with arguably tell you that laughter is one of the best medicines. Laughter could very well be one of the most contagious and most needed feelings in life.
Pharmaceuticals are lacking all of the benefits of laughter, plus laughter does not include “ common side effects” or at least not any bad ones. I suppose you could list some of the side effects as: relieves physical tension and stress, eases anxiety, improves mood, triggers the release of endorphins, boosts immunity, eases pain, etc. The “side effects” of laughter is astonishing, especially to think that is completely at no cost to you!
The communication of humor and laughter in our lives make you seem more attractive and positive. You form closer bonds with relationships all around you by including more laughter and humor. Being able to laugh, play, be silly and have fun not only makes people more enjoyable, but it also allows better communication.
There are many way to bring laughter in your life, such as: going a funny movie, comedy clubs, read the comic page, or seek out funny people. There are actually classes for Laughing Yoga you can now attend. These are classes actually dedicated to laughing so you will increase blood flow and relieve stress.
The thought is that our brains cannot tell the difference in a “ fake laugh” and a “ real laugh.” You might start out fake laughing but is it highly contagious and will quickly turn into real laughter. Personally, I just seek out my kids for an everyday dose of laughter. Kids have a very nonchalant way of life, and can turn anything into something funny. My 18-month old, Gwynn, can make you laugh almost every second of the day. This is a wonderful trait to have, however, she knows how to use it very wisely. My 6 year old can laugh for minutes at the drop of a hat. She laughs more than any person I know. I envy the love of life she possesses.
Obviously, this is not to say laughter is going to heal you of all of your health problems, but it sure will benefit your life. In my opinion, something that is free, beneficial, natural, and positive is worth a shot.
Make it a point to incorporate more laughter into your daily life, and when you do, then your personality and relationships will flourish. The next time you start laughing, just make a mental note at how wonderful your body feels, and the next time your feeling blue, seek out your funny, humorous side and have a hard, loud laugh!
Sources: http://helpguide.org/
life/humor_laughter_health.htm; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugh
ter_Yoga; http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db76.htm
