34. Laughter is Good for Your Brain!

When was the last time you had a good, solid, deep belly laugh?

As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent.  

In fact, did you know that the average 4 year old laughs 300 times a day. The average 40 year old? 4.  Just 4.

So, what's the big deal?  Why is it important to laugh, and how is it good for you?

Well, it turns out that laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. It brings your mind and body back into balance, lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, burns calories, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. Oh, and it also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine?”  Have you ever wondered what it actually means?  It turns out, it’s more than just a matter of keeping a positive attitude to help get through something.

When you hear a joke, the left hemisphere analyzes the words and structure of the joke, the frontal lobe - which is responsible for social emotional reactions - becomes active, and the right hemisphere performs the necessary analysis in order to “get” the joke. When the punch line hits home, your heart rate rises, you jiggle with mirth, and your brain releases “feel good” neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and an array of endorphins.  

We know all about the positive effects of these hormones and neurotransmitters from episode 1 about celebration. Which makes sense, because laughter and celebration often go hand in hand.

So, let's have a good laugh together, shall we?

LINKS to Make You Laugh, and more

HDSB The Shift Pop Up Event

HDSB The Shift Youtube Channel

Laughing Quadruplets video

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