Global Belly Laugh Day

​January 24, 2020 is Global Belly Laugh Day!

Who doesn’t like a good laugh?  I know that when I feel the need to self-sooth after a stressful day, I tune into Seinfeld. Thankfully this isn’t the 90s where I would have to purchase the dvds.  I can’t imagine life anymore without 24-hour access to Seinfeld actually.  There is just something behind sarcastic humor I enjoy. Why DO we Hto laugh? Is there a science behind it?  Are there health benefits we expect to receive from laughing?  

Benefits of Laughter

• Stress Relief !  Like massage, while reducing the stress hormones such as coritsone, laughter actually increases feel-good hormones such as endorphins.  Doing so gives us a more positive outlook and improves our mood.  
• Stronger Immune system!  When we laugh, infection-fighting antibodies flush through our sytem boosting our immune system.  Author Norman Cousin’s promoted his “laughing cure” when reporting how his arthritis pains diminshed and his sleep improved after watching his favorite, laughter-inducing show, The Marx Brothers.  
• Improved Blood Circulation  According to the American Heart Association, laughter has been linked to increased levels of what is considered the “good” cholesterol (HDL) while reducing artery imflammation!  The effects of laughter, according to one University of Maryland’s Med Center, lasts up to 24 hours while preventing plaque formation further benefitting the heart and improving circulation.  

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How to find yourself laughing more often?

• Hang out with kids!  An average four year old laughs 300 times per day compared to an average 40 year old who laughs closer to 4 times per day!  Since laughter is contagious, hanging out with children could be the ticket!
• Make it part of your routine! Read the funnies while drinking your morning coffee.
• Take 30 to enjoy your favorite funny sitcom: Mine is Seinfeld, what’s yours?  With access to the internet today, it’s easy to find funny clips.  

Fun fact about laughter

One minute of laughter can equate to SIX minutes on a treadmill!  What’s stopping you????