LAUGHTERis the Best Medicine

WHAT IS LAUGHTER?

‘really quick, automatic type of behavior’, spontaneous and natural

set of gestures production of a sound

DID YOU KNOW… Human beings are the only species that laugh.

WHY DO WE LAUGH?physiological response to humor

DID YOU KNOW… Laughter varies with age.Children laugh 300 times a day, adults - 15 times a day.

MAY LAUGHTER BE A MEDICINE?

IT’S NO JOKE!

The Benefits of Laughter:Physical Health BenefitsMental Health BenefitsSocial Benefits

“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.

LAUGHTER: boosts immunity decreases stress relieves pain relaxes your muscles prevents heart disease

DID YOU KNOW… A daily workout of 15minutes can burn 40 calories.Laughing 100 times roughly a day equals 15 minutes on an excercise bike.

HOW LAUGHTER CAN HELP YOU STAYEMOTIONALLY HEALTHY?

Laughter decreases anxiety and fear. Relieves stress and improves your mood. Gives you a different perspective.

SOCIAL BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER:

strengthens relationships

helps defuse conflict boosts teamwork attracts others to us

LAUGHTER IS CONTAGIOUS!

DID YOU KNOW…80% of laughter occurs in everyday social situations.

DON’T TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY, THOUGH…

REFERENCE: M. Brain; How Laughter Works. M. Smith, J. Segal; Laughter is the Best Medicine. The

Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter. M. Winderlich; 10 Reasons Why Laughing Is Good for You.