Jasmine's Place Issue No. 18 - May/June 2017 | Page 40

HEALTH & WELLNESS Laugh and Then Laugh Some More CD Swanson The many benefits of a good hearty laugh ... You read it here at Jasmine’s Place! Laughter as "they say" is the best medicine for the soul. There is a lot of truth to that old adage. Laughter, physically does wonders for your entire being. It heightens our senses and releases "feel good" endorphins creating a sense of calm along with an inner "happy feeling." The medical aspects and benefits to laughter are many. Some of which include, but not limited to the following: Laughter can promote relaxation by releasing feel good endorphins directly into the blood stream; it can boot the immune system by releasing toxins from your lymphatic system. Laughter can also help thwart heart disease. According to a study performed at the University of Maryland Medical Center, it was discovered that those with heart disease laughed 40 percent less at life situations than those with no cardiac issues; it helps shift anxiety issues and invariably allows a shift of perspective helping to refocus, thereby, seeing things in a less threatening light. Most people enjoy being around someone who doesn't take life so seriously. Someone who can laugh at themselves and share their laughter with others will be high on the "invite list" to socials. So laugh, and then laugh some more. It'll not only make you feel better, but you just might be improving your overall health. 40 JASMINE'S PLACE