Despite the observation that humor is effective in healing physiological, emotional, and spiritual wounds, it was not until recently that scientific proof and understanding of the phenomenon emerged.
In his famous book Anatomy of an Illness, Norman Cousins documented his recovery from a serious illness by watching old Marx Brothers movies and injecting humor into his everyday life. Years later, scientific data published in the Journal of the American Medical Association provided evidence that supported Cousins' theory.
What Cousins discovered and other medical researchers confirmed is that laughter stimulates the release of endorphins into your bloodstream. Endorphins are natural painkillers produced by the body. You feel better when you laugh because you produce endorphins that diminish the sensation of any physical or emotional pain.
In addition to the discovery of the connection between laughter and endorphins, researchers have discovered a a variety of other healthful benefits that result from humor.
* Heart
Experiments at Stanford Medical School indicate that twenty seconds of laughter is the cardiovascular equivalent of three minutes of strenuous rowing.
* Blood pressure
The same study also indicated that laughter could help lower blood pressure in some people.
* Exercise
Yale University's department of psychology tests found that exercise done while angry or sad can reduce cardiovascular benefits, while exercise done in a positive and relaxed context improved conditioning.
* Circulation
Laughter increases blood circulation, speeding up the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all body tissues.
* Brain
Laughter connects both hemispheres of the brain and creates total brain symmetry.
* Immune system
Findings from tests done at Loma Linda University show that levels of disease-fighting cells are increased after humorous episodes.
* Emotions
The effects of laughter counteract anger and other negative emotions, replacing them with feelings of well-being.
* Respiration
Laughing can elevate oxygen levels as much as five times, flushing your system with oxygen.
If your sense of humor has been suppressed, reawakening it may take some practice. Events and people are funny when they break a pattern. To reawaken your sense of humor then, you need to break a pattern. For example:
* Walk, run, shake, spin in a bizarre manner.
* Make odd sounds, like animals or sound effects.
* Take different routes to work or shopping.
* Switch what you eat for breakfast with dinner and vice versa.
* Use the opposite hand for common tasks.
* Make faces in the mirror.
Many of the same techniques that you use to stimulate your own sense of humor can help others as well. Use your best judgment here. Pets, comedy videos, cartoons, outrageous clothes or costumes, even hiring clowns or comedians can do wonders.
The same holds true in your personal relationships. Give presents when you're angry, enjoy a candlelight breakfast, or serenade your partner. Unexpected humor can turn divisive situations around.
Laughter can carry you through the darkest times, help you heal from physical illness and loss, and keep up the spirits of everyone around you. Learn to develop your sense of humor, then use it to lighten your mood and brighten your horizon.
For more information about blood pressure: What is Normal Blood Pressure?
Good diet can also help you to reduce your blood pressure.
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