Have you noticed that children tend to laugh easily at all sorts of things from people to objects to jokes? As adults we seem to be more selective when it comes to humor. This is too bad because preliminary data in one study found humor engages our entire brain and who doesn’t want that? Further conclusions in this study report laughter triggers brain waves similar to meditation meaning we become more focused and calm allowing us to have a clearer awareness of our life.
The field of psychoneuroimmunology (yes – you read that correctly), researching the interactions between the mind and body, reports laughter alters brain chemistry and may boost the immune system. Laughing can aid in our body’s natural defense system, the immune system, by allowing the release of our negative thoughts and feelings including stress. And again who doesn’t want that?
Now let’s start promoting more humor in our lives daily.
- Be open to humor and allow yourself to laugh in pleasant and tough times.
- Surround yourself with humor at home and at work with items or pictures that make you laugh.
- Seek out humor by looking at everyday situations or going back to that standby book or DVD that makes you laugh.
- Share your humor by telling funny true stories to others.
So, just by laughing our brain and body not only become more engaged but effective in helping us live healthier lives – and I want that, so humor me please!
