April Showers . . . bring new laughter research

NEW research from Loma Linda University. Dr. Lee Berk, PHD has done it again!!! This time they measured three hormones before and after the anticipation of laughter. Yep, they didn't even make'em laugh they just told them they were going to experience laughter and it reduced the levels of three stress hormones. Cortisol (termed “the stress hormone”), epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and dopac, a dopamine catabolite (brain chemical which helps produce epinephrine), were reduced 39, 70 and 38 percent, respectively (statistically significant compared to the control group). Chronically released high stress hormone levels can weaken the immune system.

Dr. Berk said, and we agree, "Our findings lead us to believe that by seeking out positive experiences that make us laugh we can do a lot with our physiology to stay well.” Read the full article.

UPDATES. . . a new link to Mary Y. Liu's Berkeley research, It's No Laughing Matter.

Plus we now have a direct link to the Spirituality & Health magazine article Health Benefits in Non-Humor-Dependent Aerobic Laughter. It does require you log in and create a password but there is no obligation.

As a reminder . . . Why do we have to teach people how to laugh?

                    Don't they do it naturally?

Yes, people can engage in the physical act of laughter all on their own. But the problem in today's society is that we don't laugh often enough or deeply enough to massage our heart muscle, tighten our abs and low belly or stimulate our entire immune system along with all the feel good chemicals throughout our bodies. We need 15 minutes of deep robust belly laughter to accomplish that. And as with so many other things in life we need a coach to guide us through the process.

Just as with many other forms of exercise and workplace training programs organized group events bring greater results much more effectively and efficiently.

Until next time … laugh yourselves silly. You'll feel better!

Judy                                          back to E-zine list

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Laughter is good for the soul and good for business too!