Sometimes laughter is all the medicine you need

It�s no secret that laughing feels good. Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sneeze, or sniffle. Humor and laughter can help strengthen the immune systems, boost energy, help reduce pain, and reduce the effects of stress. Best of all, laughing is fun and free!

William Stream, PhD, from the University of Alberta, explains, laughter is an excellent stress reliever, and that lowering stress reduced the �stress hormone� cortisol, which may lead to other health benefits. In fact, researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that people who have a sense of humor and laugh frequently are less likely to develop heart disease.

We can get more laughter in our lives with a few of the following strategies.

• Laugh with friends and family
• Take in a comedy
• Try laughter yoga
• Play fun games with friends
• Laugh out loud

Be responsible with laughter. Don�t laugh at other�s expense. It�s about laughing with them � not at them.

While laughter might not be the best medicine, it certainly is a strong shot for health and wellbeing. So, lighten up, have a good laugh today. It�s good for you.

Learn More:University of Maryland Medical Center. �Laughter Is Good For Your Heart, According To A New University Of Maryland Medical Center Study.� ScienceDaily,17 November 2000. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/11/001116080726.htm

10+ Scientifically Proven Ways Laughter Can Relieve Stress | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. (2019). Retrieved 3 March 2021, from https://www.usa.edu/blog/how-laughter-can-relieve-stress/

Stress relief from laughter? It�s no joke � Mayo Clinic. (2019). Retrieved 3 March 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456?p=1

Strean, William B. �Laughter prescription.� Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien vol. 55,10 (2009): 965-7.