Weighing The Facts

This week's R.I.S.E. (Recovery Inspiration Strength Exercise): Be Silly, Laugh, Have Fun.

Laughter isn't just fun, it's good for your health and improves your quality of life!
It's free, fun, can happen just about anywhere, and it doesn't require any special equipment or membership fees.

When we're acting silly, enjoying ourselves, and laughing we actually change physiologically. Though studies are less than abundant and results are debated by many, there's no arguing that a bit of silliness and a good dose of laughter sure can make a person feel good.

Some of the physiological benefits include:

releases endorphins (make us feel good and help decrease pain)
facial muscles stretch
blood flow is increased
breath is increased and oxygenates our tissues
immune cells increased
blood sugar lowers
better sleep
increased energy

Some of the emotional benefits include:

decreased stress
reduced anxiety
increased feelings of hope
increased creativity

ps. faking a laugh is beneficial to our health, just like faking a smile is.

Try these to add a little silliness, fun, and laughter to your life:

Watch a favorite (or new to you) funny movie
Watch a funny sitcom with a friend or loved one
Hang out with your funny friends
Fake it. Really. Try out different laughs, be goofy, make funny faces.
Sign up for a joke a day email. There are several online you can sign up for
Go to a comedy show
Play comedy charades with friends. All categories must relate to something humorous
Don't forget to laugh at yourself. Find the humor in mishaps, etc.

Here's a little something to help get you started. :)

See sidebar menu for more weekly R.I.S.E.

©Weighing The Facts

sources:http://women.webmd.com/guide/give-your-body-boost-with-laughter?page=2
http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/topic/humor/benefits-humor
picsource: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alinieri/3687736037/in/photostream/

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