Who doesn't love a good laugh?  It relaxes you, and usually happens around people or venues that you enjoy.  Reader's Digest reminds us monthly that laughter is the best medicine, and they have been issuing these reminders since, well forever.  I'm saying that it is still the best medicine after all these decades, and medical studies will back me up on that statement.  After all, that's where I got the information for this blog entry from.  Via the marvels of MRI usage, various benefits of laughter have been proven medically, and I suppose that also means scientifcally.  

It has been determined that your brain's attempt to process the punch line of a joke activates its learning centre, and exercises it in the same manner as any brain teaser exercise.  So, if you need a reason to laugh more, this is a good one.  Take your grey matter to the brain gym.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, laughter relaxes you.  It eases the tension in your muscles, and releases dopamine in your brain.  Dopamine is that 'feel good' chemical that acts as a natural opiate to reduce stress and pain, and elevates your mood.  It really is terrific medicine!  The wonderful thing about this type of treatment is that you can't overdose, and it's perfectly fine to mix with other medications.  Take it with food or not, your choice, just try not to skip a dose.

Laughing with friends and loved ones also helps strengthen your bond with them.  It dissolves anger and aggression, and produces those warm fuzzies

that should be associated with those closest to you.

If you're a man, you should know that fun and laughter is one of the most desirable traits sought by women when they are on the look out for a potential mate.  A laid back attitude signals a relaxed relationship.  Mix relaxed with fun, and you've got quite a package to offer to the ladies.

I'm not a doctor, but I'm offering the following prescriptions for using this wonder drug:

 - Take daily to reduce mental and physical stress, and to achieve and maintain a positive attitude.

 - Use pre bedtime time for light-hearted pursuits.  This is not the time to fight with your significant other, think about your mortgage payment shortfall, or any other stressor.  The object here is to go to bed nice and relaxed, rather than stressed out.

 - Take that frown and turn it upside down!  Turn a negative situation around by using humour whenever possible.  Put a happy spin and try to see the funny side.

So there you have it.  Great reasons to believe that laughter is still the best medicine.

* Disclaimer *
Laughter is not for everybody and may cause the following side affects:  happiness, intimacy, a peaceful state of mind and healthy body.  Laughter has been known to improve the sex life of some patients.  Those who are determined to remain in a stressed-out, negative frame of mind should not use laughter.  As with all medicines, talk to you doctor before using a new product. Laughter is available without a prescription.

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