Since that time dozens of formal studies have been published, and the findings are amazing:

Laughter boosts hormones, including beta-endorphins, which elevate mood and human growth hormone, which helps boost immunity. In one study just anticipating watching a funny video sent the hormones surging by 27% and 87% respectively.

A good belly laugh can also lower harmful stress hormones, including cortisol, which triggers an increase in belly fat, and adrenaline, which can weaken the immune system when it stays elevated.

Laughter has also been shown to lower “bad” (lousy LDL) cholesterol, raise “good” (happy HDL), decrease blood pressure and causes your body to respond in a way that’s similar to moderately intense exercise. Isn’t the human body amazing?!

One of the reasons I went back to school to get a second master’s degree in public health was because I knew that nutrition alone can’t completely determine wellness. I often ask my clients about their sleep patterns, social support, and even, “When’s the last time you laughed really hard?” or “How many times a day do you laugh?”

Children laugh 300-400 times a day, even when they’re not provoked to laugh. Adults laugh about 15 times a day, but “filter” their responses, which kids don’t do.

So I suggest taking Mr. Cousins’ lead and prescribing yourself some comedy. In other words a 5-10 minute YouTube detour isn’t a waste of time – it’s kind of like fitting in a workout! Below is my favorite funny video  - no matter how many times I watch it always makes me laugh out loud.

Note: In this section of my site you’ll find articles that deal with aspects of wellness beyond nutrition, including fitness, social support, and emotional health. I hope you’ll come back and email me (through the contact tab on the top right of the screen) to let me know about the type of content you’d like to see here.