Funny Yoga Memes-Enjoy the Health Benefits of Laughter

At Green Apple Active we like to keep things light & enjoy a good laugh.  While there are many obvious benefits to laughter (IE: general happiness) there are also other less known boons to chuckling it up. According to the article Laughter is the Best Medicine: The Health Benefits of Humor written by Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D, March 2013.

Laughter is good for your health

• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
• Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems."

The article also goes beyond the physical benefits & explains some ways laughter helps you stay in great emotional health.

The link between laughter and mental health

• Laughter dissolves distressing emotions. You can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing.
• Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more.
• Humor shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed."

At Green Apple Active we thought we would wish everyone a healthy happy day by sharing some of the things that make us smile!  

 

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