Researchers at Oxford University in England have concluded that a hearty belly laugh doesn't just make you feel good, it can actually relieve pain. A guffaw release chemicals called endorphins that cause mild euphoria and serve as a pain killer. If things weren't found to be funny and elicited a strained laugh, or polite giggle, the experiment showed that the subject's ability to endure pain lessened. Professor Robin Dunbar, lead researcher, found that slapstick comedy seemed to work better than shows featuring stand-up comedians. His research is also going to investigate the relationship between laughter and bonding among groups. Humor boosts the immune system In 2006 researchers led by Lee Berk and Stanley A. Tan at Linda Loma University., Loma Linda, California, found that the two hormones 'beta-endorpihns,' which alleviate depression, and human growth hormone HGH ( which helps with immunity ) increased by 27 and 87 percent, when volunteers watched humorous video and anticipated laughter. Simply anticipating laughter boosted health-protecting hormones and body chemicals. Humor reduces pain Norman Cousins, upon his return from a meeting in Russia was diagnosed with incurable Anklyosing Spondylitis, a collagen illness that attacks the connective tissues of the body, causing severe joint pain and fever. After being hospitalized, he checked himself out and moved into a hotel. He hired a nurse and had her play Candid Camera, Marx Brothers etc. videos to make him laugh. Ten minutes of laughter gave him 2 hours of drug-free pain relief. He laughed himself to wellness and lived a productive life. Humor reduces stress The same Linda Loma university team previously mentioned, conducted a similar study recently to see if the anticipation of laughter that was shown to boost the immune system could also reduce the level of stress hormones. The researchers discovered that anticipating a positive event can reduce detrimental stress hormones. Humor spreads happiness That's why there are more than 5000 'Laughter Yoga' clubs around the world, where people laugh for no reason at all. These clubs have exercises that teach how to express how to laugh with your face and you body. Humor creates optimism Humor can change perspective on a painful memory of the past, or a bothering issue of the present by presenting opportunities to laugh at life's idiosyncracies, or one's own follies. Humor helps communication Humor immediately removes the unease in communication. Nothing brings people together quicker than humor. It's a great bridge builder. Humor disarms fear Humor takes away fear, because it changes your perspective of the past and present. Laughter puts distance between the situation you fear and your reaction to it. Humor provided comfort This is why we now see more humor in children's hospitals and adult care facilities.Movies, such as Patch Adams made us aware of the great value of humor in the healing process. Humor is relaxing Like any exercise, laughing relaxes you and helps in dealing with chronic stress. You can't be stressed and be laughing at the same time. Humor is an attitude changer Humor improves your attitude and outlook on life. People like to be around people with a sense of humor, as they are good company at any occasion.
