This is the second in our series on using humor and laughter as part of self care.  Laughter has many positive benefits for your mind, body, and spirit.  

In this episode we focus on how laughter can benefit your body.  

• Eases pain.  In a 1979 study, Norman Cousins discovered that "humor therapy" decreased a person's level of pain.
• Lowers blood pressure. 
• Helps prevent heart disease. People with heart disease were 40% less likely to laugh, according to studies. 
• Improves breathing, stimulates circulation, and relaxes muscles. (see https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456)

So when you need a good laugh, here are some of our best recommendations.

• Spend time with children. Children laugh over 300 times a day, and their laughter is contagious. 
• Watch funny YouTube videos. 
• Hang out with friends who love to laugh.
• Share a joke with a friend.  You'll both benefit from the laugh. 

Don't miss our other episodes in this series.

• Episode 072 on How Humor Affects the Mind, and
• Episode 074 on How Humor Affects the Spirit.

Visit our website for more resources about self care, hospice, and caregiving at www.theheartofhospice.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.