Laughing a total body workout!

Laughter is an expression of joy. It is a physiological response to humor. Humor researcher Peter Derks describes laughter as a "really automatic, quick, type of behavior. In fact, how quickly our brain recognizes the incongruity that lies at the heart of most humor and attaches an abstract meaning to it determines whether we laugh." Seriously now, many researchers believe that the purpose of laughter is related to making and strengthening human connections. Laughter occurs when people are comfortable with one another and when they feel open and free. The more laughter there is, the more bonding within the group. This feedback, combined with the common desire not to be singled out from the group, may be another reason why laughter is often contagious.

Laughing was long known to be helpful to those coping with major illnesses and the stress of life's problems. But researchers are now saying that laughter can do a lot more - it can basically bring balance to all the components of the immune system, which helps us fight off diseases. Laughter reduces levels of certain stress hormones. It provides a safety valve that shuts off the flow of stress hormones and the fight-or-flight compounds that swing into action into our bodies when we experience stress, anger or hostility.

What may surprise you even more is the fact that researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. Blood pressure is lowered, and there is an increase in vascular blood flow and in the oxygenation of blood, which furthers assists healing. Laughter also provides your diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles a workout. That's why you often feel exhausted after a long bout of laughter. Laughing can be a total body workout!