Laughter Is A Natural Remedy

I just returned from a vacation trip to San Francisco. Apart from jet lag, I feel wonderfully refreshed.

While traveling back, I read an article which reminded me of the power of laughter in promoting health.

I was first introduced to the idea of laughter as a natural remedy by Norman Cousins, who used laughter to decrease his pain so he could sleep at night; he also credited laughter with putting his illness into remission. (He documented his experience in a book which I think was titled Anatomy of an Illness)

Some time after Norman Cousins' book was published, the Journal of the American Medical Association published an article which concluded that laughter (especially if regularly used) offers immediate relief of some symptoms to patients with chronic illnesses.

Other research claims that laughter may boost the immune system, relieve stress, even improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels.

Laughter is a very safe natural remedy, with a variety of benefits, and no negative side effects (unless you are worried that people around you will think you are silly; but research seems to say that silly people live longer; they certainly have more fun).

I think Norman Cousins used Marx brothers' comedies as part of his regimen; if they work for you, great, but whatever you find funny should be as regular a part of your life as brushing your teeth.

Laugh out loud, and laugh often; it may help you live longer.