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A LAUGH A DAY: The healing power of humour [infographic]

Friday, February 22, 2013 21:54

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(Before It's News)

This article was published in The Mindful Word journal of engaged living (http://www.themindfulword.org)

Screen reader version:

Pain

When we laugh our brain produces endorphins, which are up to 500 times more effective at eliminating pain than morphine.

In one study, a group of college kids who watched a comedy before an experiment were able to keep their hands submerged in freezing cold ice water 40 per cent longer than those who did not watch the comedy.

People who laugh often require significantly less pain medication after surgery then those who don’t laugh frequently.

Stress relief

In one study of diabetics who had already suffered a heart attack, watching a single 30 minute comedy daily made them 5x less likely to suffer another heart attack

Laughter therapy has been shown to significantly improve sleep quality.

Heart health

Watching a funny movie increases blood flow by 22 per cent which improves the condition of your heart and can help prevent heart attacks.

One minute of intense laughter from a good belly laugh sets your heart rate to the same level as 10 minutes on a rowing machine.

General health

10 to 15 minutes of laughter burns about 50 calories.

Laughter raises levels of disease-fighting immunoglobulins by 14 per cent

Plus various studies indicate that laughing:

Boosts your energy – Instantly increases IgA, a critical antibody which boosts your immune system.

Stimulates circulation in your heart, lungs and muscles. Increases endorphins in the brain.

Enhances intake of oxygen-rich air.

Laughter is: