How important is Laughter?

Nothing is more personal than your smile and you laughter. They are your personal signature and are totally unique to you.

Babies start laughing when they are 10 -12 weeks old. When they laugh, their whole body moves and bounces. Everything in their small bodies is engaged in a laughter that is innocent, pure and contagious.

Children at the age of 5 laugh on the average 400 times a day. Unfortunately that greatly diminishes as we get older. Adults over the age of 30 laugh on the average only 4 - 6 times a day.

If people only realized how good laughter is for them. It is a very powerful force that affects the whole body. Breath released during a hearty laugh has been measured as fast as 170 miles per hour.

The physical benefits of laughter are phenomenal. Laughter stimulates the brain, the nervous system, the respiratory system, the hormonal system, and the body's muscles.

In addition, it lowers blood pressure, lightens depression, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress.

For us to stay healthy, we need to release build-up tensions. Many people release these tensions by doing Yoga, Tai Chi, or Meditation. There is however a simpler way and that is laughter.

When we laugh, even just chuckle, the entire body works towards improving your health and well-being.

Laughter is also a pain reliever, as it triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers which provide a temporary distraction from the pain. ( for more information on this - see my website http://www.humor-laughter.com - 'Norman Cousins' page )

Medical professionals have recognized the powers and benefits of laughter and are starting to introduce humor in the treatment of patients.

Laughing is totally natural: it is organic; naturally sweet; 100% wholesome; has no chemicals; no preservatives; no artificial additives, you don't require batteries, it's low in energy consumption; high in body energy gain; it is non-fattening; it is non-polluting; free of cholesterol; free of trans-fat and saturated fat; you don't have have to join an expensive health club and wear ridiculous Spandex outfits; you can practice it 24/7; and there is absolutely no cost.