Aristotle thought that our laughter was what separates us from other animals, and that a baby does not have a soul until the moment it laughs for the first time. While we know now that this is incorrect (rats and other animals have been proven to laugh) we are also finding some fascinating things about laughter. The first of which is that it is very helpful to us psychologically and physically. What does laughter do?
lowers blood pressure
decreases cortisol
increase endorphins
lowers stress
increases pain tolerance
increases energy levels
relaxes the muscles in the face, abdomen and others
beefs up your immune system
promotes heart health
increases connection with others
And that is just a start. They have now found that the physical movements of laughter are connected to laughter's positive impacts. They know that laughter increases your endorphins, which make you feel better, but the reason for the increase is related more to the physical aspects of laugher than the mental.
Another fascinating finding is that laughter is indeed contagious. When you laugh the world is more likely to laugh with you! When we laugh together we feel good together.
It has also been found that the laughter between good friends has a different sound than the laughter between strangers. One research study found that people around the world, from different cultures and speaking different languages could detect when laughter was between good friends. The study literally showed that Bushmen in Africa could tell this difference between two college girls in California! Laughter is universal.
So start feeling better today and start laughing more! Be sure to be around people who laugh!
TRY THIS
If you want to start laughing more here's a link to a short vid titled laugh with the Dalai Lama. It's a clip of him laughing. He labels himself a professional laugher. See what it does to you? Do you start laughing? Do you smile? Why not find your favorite comedy and watch it. Give yourself a break!
Feel good! See you next week for another look at feeling good in a red pill world. Men are good, as are you.