Humor
Humor Improves Brain Function
Research has shown that laughter seems to change our brain chemistry and help
the immune system. We all know that the immune system is very important to our
health. We need to all we can to protect our immune system. One of the best
ways to start is to use humor. There is nothing to take the place of smiles
and laughter.
A smile is something you cannot give away because it comes back to you. It
is our daily task to find ways to make ourselves and others laugh. Remember
here that we are trying to keep an active relationship between our mind and
our body. To be kept active it must be practiced on a regular routine. Smiling
and laughing is a wonderful habit to have. Using the habit will become so
natural we don't even have to think about it. It will be a natural action or
reaction.
There is an old expression "mind over matter". You must be willing to enjoy
humor. A group of researchers at a school of medicine have found that
laughter
aids in the optimal functioning of blood vessels. Did you know there is a part
of your brain that helps you "get the joke"? There is a section near the
forehead. There is another section that triggers the muscle movement that lets
you laugh or smile. Then there is another section of emotional components that
gives you a happy feeling after a funny experience.
Laughter is very effective in the recovery of illness. It is not only
helpful health wise, but it can have an effect on the family. When a family
laughs they form a connection with each other. Laughter helps create better
understanding, communication and promotes harmony. Laughter may encourage
better and more balanced disciplinary measures which could be otherwise
emotionally charged issues. Where there can be laughter and
humor most likely
there will be better cooperation. Laughter is a winning situation. There are
no bad side effects of laughter. It keeps your brain active and stimulated.
The brain has been researched for years. Scientists want to know how
emotions affect the brain then perhaps they can know how to treat emotional
disorders and pain. Researchers want to know the precise roles that the
different brain area play and how their functions may even overlap. Most
likely there will be improvements in how to treat patients in the future. All
the parts of our brain are vital to have a well rounded life. Can you imagine
what it would be like if we did not have the laughter section? Brain chemistry
seems to be changed by laughter.
Being able to laugh seems to give a person more control over themselves as
well as over the situation. A good laugh can release anger, fear, and stress.
All of these can cause harm to the body over a period of time. We need to use
the power of smiles and laughter to help heal as well as prevention. Laughter
is a good medicine, but research shows that just the expectation of watching a
funny program or video lowered the level of stress, inducing chemicals in the
blood and helped the release of stress relievers.
Laughter and a good sense of
humor could help protect us from a heart
attack. A study showed that people with a heart disease were less likely to
laugh than people without heart disease. Laughter is a good body workout.
Laughter will give your midsection a workout; help with digestion wile
strengthening the muscle that holds the abdominal organs in place. A good
laugh can burn calories that equal to several minutes on an exercise bike or
rowing machine.
Having the ability to laugh is in itself therapy. This keeps your brain
alert and helps in learning and retaining. We should use laughter as a way of
reducing tension. Usually after a round of laughter there is a more relaxed
atmosphere. Humor is very important to our mental health. Humor makes us feel
good. It will increase our energy and with this we can do things we might not
otherwise do. Humor affects our behavior.
We may talk more, touch others and even be able to make eye contact with
others. Without humor our minds would become stale and this could lead to
depression. Having humor helps us to replace depressing emotions with good
feelings. If you practice good humor you will not be feeling depressed, angry,
anxious, or resentful. Humor gives us the ability to connect with others.
Those who were unfortunate to grow up in a home without humor may find a good
belly laugh awkward. Can you imagine being in a home where fun was
discouraged? We must want to bring as much laughter into our lives as
possible.
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