Start Laughing
Drs Neal Barry and Nicole Olsen
We know that we are in the midst of another ‘freezing’ California winter, but don't let that stop you from recommitting your "self" to your health goals. So here's a little tip to catalyze your healing journey.
Start laughing.... do it now...and do it a lot! You can even start small with a smile. The best part is it doesn't cost a thing! The health effects associated with laughter are mind blowing. When we laugh, every part of our physiology is affected in a positive way. Our breathing intensifies, which exercises our diaphragm, muscles of the neck, face, and our abdominal muscles. Laughter also increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which improves healing and circulation.
 Research by Dr. Henri Rubenstein found that one minute of solid laughter provides up to 45 minutes of subsequent relaxation. Dr. William Fry at Stanford University reported that 100 laughs would give your body an aerobic workout equal to that of a 10-minute session on a rowing machine.
Laughter's healing properties are further documented in the book Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins. This book led to the start of massive research into the function of endorphins, chemicals released from your brain when you laugh. Endorphins have a similar chemical composition to heroin and morphine and have a tranquilizing effect on the body, while building the immune system. This explains why happy people rarely get sick, whereas people who are miserable and disgruntled often seem ill.
For 2008, part of your homework assignment is to laugh...and laugh a lot. Your health and healing depends on it!
Remember keep it simple. Move your body...move it toward alignment...stretch it... strengthen it...feed your mind and body... rest it...and then energize it! And did we mention…start laughing?
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