Hump Day Humor: Laughter is the Best Medicine

Image courtesy of ipbrief.net

Sometimes you just need a good belly laugh. The kind that makes you bend over and hold your gut or maybe pee your pants (hey! it happens!). You know... a good, authentic laugh where the skin around your eyes wrinkles and your dimples show.

Today, I thought we'd keep it light and talk about the best medicine around. You don't need a prescription for it, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and you can find it just about anywhere. That drug is laughter! Laughter does a lot of things for, including...

REDUCING STRESS - Studies show that laughter reduces four hormones linked with the stress response: epinephrine, cortisol, dopac and growth hormone.

STRENGTHENING RESPIRATION - When you laugh, you empty much more air from your lungs than you take in. This results in a 'cleansing' effect and can be beneficial for people with respiratory ailments such as emphysema.

LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE - When you start to laugh, your blood pressure rises for a short moment, but then decreases to a level that's below normal. Studies show that people who laugh regularly have lower standing blood pressure than the average person. If this isn't reason enough to put a funny movie in, I don't know what is!

BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM - Laughter increases the activity and number of infection-fighting cells within the body, keeping you well.

EXERCISING YOUR HEART - A deep, belly laugh can be compared to 'internal jogging'. It gives your heart a workout, and we all know that a healthy heart equals a healthy life!

In honor of today's topic, I've posted a few videos below that tickle my funny bone. Give yourself a good laugh today and remember to not take things so seriously!


This kid is so cute...how can you not laugh a little?




This kid is also very cute AND as a bonus, Will Ferrell's in the video. If you don't laugh, there might be something wrong with you.

The Landlord from Will Ferrell

This movie made my brother and his friend Sam laugh their heads off when we were little, which in turn, made me laugh my head off. Gotta love Dumb and Dumber.




You've probably already seen this video, but I couldn't help but put it up. Sophia Grace and Rosie are two of the cutest kids alive.




And what's the video above without watching their Toys 'R Us shopping spree?

Furry Friends: Why Pets are Good for your Health

I stayed home from work sick today (boo), but my little Walter (or should I say 'Nurse Walter') took good care of me. He showed me lots of attention and made sure I stayed hydrated. He even offered to whip up some chicken noodle soup for me...but hey, I didn't want to be too needy.

But all this furry attention got me wondering... Why do pets just make you feel so much better?


Here are just some of the surprising benefits of owning a pet...


Spending time with your pet elevates your serotonin and dopamine levels, chemicals associated with well-being. At the same time, it lowers your cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. - Kind of hard to have a panic attack when your furry friend is around!

Studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure when undergoing stressful situations. - The cutest cure for high blood pressure on the market!

Pet-owners who've had heart attacks tend to survive much longer than those without pets. - Pets are good for your heart!

People with pets tend to find themselves in more social situations - whether at the dog park or on the street talking with other pet owners. They tend to be less isolated and have more positive interactions with others, thereby improving mood. - Furry friends get YOU more Facebook friends!

Dog owners specifically are generally more physically active and tend to be less overweight than those without pets. - Man's best friend AND best workout partner!

And last, but definitely not least, pets can be 'date magnets', getting the attention of the opposite sex and providing a conversation starter. - Who needs online dating?


And on top of that, they're just so darn cute! On that note, I will leave you with a photo montage of my main squeeze, Walter the Wondercat.

What's your furry friend's name and what's the best part about having a pet? Post a comment or a pic!