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Is there anything better than a big ole belly bursting blast of laughs?

Laughter is good, good medicine. Some say it’s the very best kind.

Dictionary.com defines a laugh as an action that is used to express mirth, pleasure, derision, or nervousness with an audible, vocal expulsion of air from the lungs that can range from a loud burst of sound to a series of quiet chuckles and is usually accompanied by characteristic facial and bodily movements.

But did you know that laughter is also good for your health? If you do it regularly, laughter can have positive long-term benefits.

I’ll list a few of the benefits for you below.

Laughter can:

-- Lower the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenalin
-- Lower your blood pressure
-- Improve your blood circulation
-- Boost your immune system
-- Improve memory retention
-- Boost creativity and learning potential
-- Provide an excellent workout for your abs, diaphragm, lower back, and facial muscles

In addition to all that, it’s fun and it feels good. Laughter releases endorphins, which are chemicals that regulate pain in your body. How much laughter have you had today?

Here. C’mon. Let’s practice.

Listen to this lady laughing.

That made you chuckle, didn’t it?

Now try this.

Listen to this guy laughing.

Play it back a few times in a row.

It’s a little bit contagious, now isn’t it?

But how does laughter work?　Have you ever wondered why you automatically start laughing just because someone else is laughing too. Even when you don’t have a clue about what is actually funny, you still find yourself laughing along?

In situations like that, laughter is simply a mimic response. It’s a lot like yawning. We do it mostly because our brains are wired to copy each other; it enhances social bonding.

Now, if you’re reading this column at the office and you can’t afford to look like you’re having too much fun, instead of laughing out loud, try smiling a little bit. That works really well too.

Have a healthy, happy day.

Rochelle Hanson is the author of the free ebook, Breaking Cravings. She is currently enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is studying to become a Health Coach. Rochelle offers practical tips on natural health and wellness both in this column and on her blog Simply Natural Ideas. Write to rochelle@simplynaturalideas.com for a free health consultation or connect with her on Facebook.

Internet site reference: http://swaymag.ca/lifestyle/health/simply-natural-ideas-laugh-your-way-to-good-health