You Can’t Fake It or Make It Up
Laughter is involuntary.
“Laughter is a universal language but, unlike language, laughter occurs unconsciously. It’s very difficult to laugh on the spot, and even then it won’t feel authentic.
Real, involuntary laughter involves brain mechanisms (many of which remain a mystery) and triggers unexpected sensations and thoughts. When you laugh, your entire body may be affected, from your facial expressions and breathing patterns to the muscles in your arms and legs.” – Dr. Joseph Mercola, “Why We Laugh“
Laughter relaxes your muscles, releases your body’s natural painkillers (endorphins), improves sleep, enhances creativity and memory (see more below), eases digest, enhances oxygen intake, improves well-being and positive emotions, boosts immune function, improves blood pressure, and more health and wellness benefits. Why wouldn’t you laugh?
Laugh Stats:
- Social laughter is 30 times more frequent than solitary laughter
- Women laugh 126 percent more than men in cross-gender conversations
Laugh Exercise:
A Loma Linda University study found that laughter improves memory. In the stduy, three groups were studied and given memory tests—the first two were shown a funny 20-minute video, and the third asked to just sit quietly. Researchers found significantly better recall, learning, and memory in those who watched the funny video. They also found that the video watchers had less of the stress hormone cortisol.
If you haven’t had your 20 minutes of laughter today, time to call up a funny video and get to it!