The Best Medicine The Health Benefits of Humor

The Best Medicine… The Health Benefits of Humor and Laugher Chantelle Atkinson CIS 1020 Final Project

LAUGHTER: • Humor is INFECTIOUS • When Laughter is shared, happiness increases. • Laughter triggers healthy physical changes: Strengthens immune system. Boosts energy. Diminishes pain. Protects from stress. Chantelle Atkinson CIS 1020 Final Project

Adults vs. Children: Laughter Daily • Laughter relaxes your whole body. 350 300 250 Number of Times Laughed During One Day 200 150 100 • Laughter triggers the release of endorphins. • Laughter protects your heart. 50 0 • Laughter boots your immune system. Adults Children Chantelle Atkinson CIS 1020 Final Project

Group vs. Alone: • Shared Laughter keeps relationships fresh and exciting. • Humor can heal resentments, disagreements and hurts. • Using humor and Laughter allows you to: Be more spontaneous. Let go of defensiveness. Express your true feelings. Chantelle Atkinson CIS 1020 Final Project

The Benefits of Laughter: Physical Mental Social Boosts Immunity Adds Joy and Zest to Life Strengthens Relationships Lowers Stress Hormones Eases Anxiety and Fear Attracts Others to You Decreases Pain Relieves Stress Enhances Teamwork Relaxes Your Muscles Improves Mood Helps Defuse Conflict Prevents Heart Disease Enhances Resilience Promotes Group Bonding “Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health. ” ~Paul E. Mc. Ghee, Ph. D. Chantelle Atkinson CIS 1020 Final Project

Laughter Yoga Laughter makes you feel good, and that good feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Chantelle Atkinson CIS 1020 Final Project

How To Bring Laughter Into Your Life: Smile Count Your Blessings Move Toward Laughter Spend Time With Playful People Chantelle Atkinson CIS 1020 Final Project Bring Humor Into Conversations

Bibliography: • n. d. Google. April 2012. • laughing yoga. 2006. • Smith, Melinda, Gina Kemp and Jeanne Segal. Laughter is the Best Medicine. February 2012. April 2012 <http: //www. helpguide. org/life/humor_laughter_health. htm>. • Whipple, Carol and Susan Calvert. The Connection Between Laughter, Humor and Good Health. 2008. April 2012 <http: //www. ca. uky. edu/hes/fcs/factshts/hsw-caw -807. pdf>. Chantelle Atkinson CIS 1020 Final Project