Laughter is the best medicine but not just because it's free.
"It's amazing, life-changing," Michael Cole, project director of the Toronto branch of the program, which is offered through the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario.
Michael Cole, who has been involved in theatre and the arts for most of his life, also has a background in comedy. 'Stand Up For Mental Health' is a valuable tool to help people get through life, he says: "It fights anxiety and stigma. It's empowering." Sourced: Healthzone
Many may argue that laughter is what distinguishes the human species from animals but experts agree that laughter is good for the body, mind and spirit.
Laughter is healing and releases endorphins which provide natural pain relief. By triggering the release of these endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) laughter simultaneously produces a sense of well-being.
Scientific studies have shown that laughter:
- Boosts overall body immunity.
- Reduces symptoms of rheumatism.
- Reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
- Secretes enzymes that prevent stomach ulcers.
- Reduces chronic respiratory conditions, improving ventilation.
- Decreases serum cortisol offsetting the effects of chronic stress.
- Gives abdominal muscles definition by exercising and toning them.
- Increases antibodies in saliva that can combat upper respiratory infections.
In the workplace, productivity is a key element and humor may be frowned upon, but laughter can be beneficial in the work place at the right time.
Best when served with the element of surprise, laughter can be contagious and can tickle the funny bone (that is actually located in the right frontal lobe of the brain), reduce stress, make people happy, bring people together while being tremendously therapeutic by serving as a coping mechanism, and laughter can do all that, all at the same time.
"Employees also reported higher job satisfaction when they worked for someone who was more humor-oriented and used humor effectively and appropriately." Sourced: Dr. Melissa B. Wanzer - Survival of the Funniest
Besides being the best mood altering drug, laugher can diffuse stress by regulating the heart rate and decreasing stress hormones than can lead to an irregular heart beat which may lead to a heart attack.
When life throws you a curve ball, don't give in to depression, surround yourself with friends that can make you laugh. In doing just that, laughter can play an important mental and physiological role in your well-being and its free!
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