 Remodeling Design Ideas & How-To's for DIY Types
|
Laughter is the Best MedicineSO, you're having a bad day? Need that little extra pick-me-up but can't seem to get motivated to get it? Well, it seems that just a few chuckles may make a major difference."I believe that if people can get more laughter in their lives, they are a lot better off," says Steve Wilson, M.A., CSP, a psychologist and laugh therapist. "They might be healthier, too." But researchers are not certain if it's laughing itself that makes people feel better, or the factors that bring laughter that are most important. A good sense of humor, a positive attitude, and the support of friends and family might play a role, too. "The definitive research into the potential health benefits of laughter just hasn’t been done yet," says Robert R. Provine, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and author of Laughter: A Scientific Investigation. Need a good chuckle now? Check out some of the very funny videos at www.PhdComic.com. Laughter Therapy: The Physiotherapy of Laughter? Physiologically, our bodies undergo immense change when we laugh. Our face and body muscles stretch and contort, our pulse and blood pressure rise, and we breathing pace increases, sending more oxygen to the tissues in our body. Some people say the benefits of periods of laughter can be equal to a mild workout — and may even provide a few of the same advantages as exercise. "The effects of laughter and exercise are very similar," says psychologist Wilson. "Combining laughter and movement, like waving your arms, is a great way to boost your heart rate." William Fry, an earlier researcher into the effects of laughter, claimed it took 10 minutes on a rowing machine for his heart rate to reach the level it would after just one minute of sustained laughter. Laughter may also help you shed weight by helping to burn calories, too. Maciej Buchowski, a researcher from Vanderbilt University, published a study in which he measured the amount of calories expended during laughter. Results revealed that 10 to 15 minutes of laughter consumed 50 calories. While the results are intriguing, don’t count on watching South Park as a method of exercise. One small piece of chocolate has around 50 calories; and at a rate of 50 calories per hour, losing one pound would take about 12 hours of heavily sustained laughter! The Physiology of Laughter Over the last 20 years or so, scientists have studied laughter's effects on the body, revealing some very interesting information on how laughing affects us: 01:38 - 2008-Jan-16
|
Providing ideas and information that'll stick to your walls. Recent Entries Finding A Great Local Real Estate Agent Laughter is the Best Medicine Do you have the time to remodel your master bedroom? Free Christmas Tree Pictures Great new blog sites coming online Making your bathroom... better. Remodeling a small kitchen? Basement Remodeling Ideas About Us Home Post Archives Our Budgdugle Profile Friends Helpful Links Remodel, Blog & WIN Contest RemodelingMySpace The ideaBlog 
Link Love |