Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Eating right and exercising are big steps toward good health, but now doctors are getting serious about being funny.

Recent research has shown laughter may play a therapeutic role in the care of mind and body.

A good laugh can release tension, help people relax and ease interpersonal difficulties. Studies show laughter helps relieve physical pain, increase oxygen to the bloodstream, provide muscles with a mild workout and enhance circulation.

Add more laughter to your life on a daily basis by using these tips:

• Build your own personal humor collection. Clip cartoons and put them on the refrigerator. Rent funny videos. Explore the humor section of your bookstore or library. Share jokes or humorous situations with friends and family.
• Spend time with people you can laugh with. Does a child friend or relative in your life make you laugh? Find ways to spend extra time with them.
• Laugh at yourself. Lighten up. Look at the lighter side of serious situations.