Why do we laugh?
The reasons we laugh, including "contagious" laughter, may be products of
evolution.
Natural laughter is a two-part, spontaneous, response to humor, that has
physiological, psychological, and physical benefits.
Most agree that we laugh when we find something to be humorous, yet
different reasons exist for what we find to be humorous. Additionally,
different things are humorous to us at different stages of life.
Laughter, a physiological response to humor, can be broken down into two
parts.
The first is a set of gestures, and the second is the production of sound.
The brain forces to conduct both responses simultaneously. From a
physiological standpoint, a "sensor" in the brain responds to laughter by
triggering other neural circuits in the brain, which, in turn, generate more
laughter.
Oddly enough, laughter is an orderly response, and almost occurs
"spontaneously" during pauses at the end of phrases, earning it the name the
punctuation effect. Human beings are the only species capable of laughter,
and the average adult does so approximately 17 times per day.
Good health is one of the many benefits of laughter. Laughter reduces our
stress levels by reducing the level of stress hormones, and also helps us
cope with serious illnesses.
Physiologically, laughter promotes healing, by lowering the blood pressure,
and by increasing the vascular blood flow and the oxygenation of the blood.
Physical fitness stemming from laughter is a benefit known to few.
Scientists estimate that laughing 100 times is equivalent to a 10-minute
workout on a rowing machine, or to 15 minutes on a stationary exercise bike.
The mere act of laughing exercises the diaphragm, as well as the abdominal,
respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles.
Another benefit of laughter is that it improves our over-all mental health.
Pent up negative emotions, such as anger, fear, and sadness, can cause
biochemical changes in our bodies that can produce a harmful effect.
Laughter provides a harmless outlet for these negative emotions, and
provides a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult or stressful
situations.
Stop and Smell the Roses!
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"Mr. Biff®© ²°°³"TM
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