TEXT 1
The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter
[1] Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any
cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and
increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes ∈
the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy,
[5] diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this
priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
Laughter is strong medicine for mind and body.
Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that
your daily mood and emotional state support good health.” Paul E. McGhee, Ph D.
[10] Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more
dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor
lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded,
focused, and alert.
With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a
[15] tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and
supporting both physical and emotional health.
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.
[20] − 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
[25] 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.
Laughter is the Best Medicine (www.helpguide.org) Accessed on March 12th, 2013.
The text says that:
