Consider the following description of a physical reaction: The neural circuits in your brain begin to reverberate. Chemical and electrical impulses start flowing rapidly through your body. The pituitary gland is stimulated; hormones and endorphins race through your blood. Your body temperature rises half a degree; your pulse rate and blood pressure increase; your arteries and thoracic muscles contract; your vocal cords quiver and your face contorts. Pressure builds in your lungs. Your lower jaw suddenly becomes uncontrollable and breath bursts from your mouth at nearly 70 miles an hour. Although the description might resemble the electric charge needed to jump-start your car, it is actually the clinical description of laughter. The results are impressive. Laughter distracts your attention, changes attitude and outlook on life, causes relaxation and reduction of tension and increases the body’s natural pain killers.  

     Every time we laugh our stress level is reduced. At Northeastern University, a study conducted under strict, scientific test conditions demonstrated this: The act of laughing massages the heart, stimulates blood circulation and helps the lungs breathe easier. Another test at Fordham University reinforced the conclusion that laughter benefits the heart, lungs, stomach and other organs. It relaxes our tensions and promotes a feeling of well-being. In other words, laughter creates a natural high in addition to its obvious health benefits. One study indicates that preschoolers laugh up to 450 times a day, while adults laugh about 15 times during the same period. Who do you think is healthier? Sure, children find more things to laugh about than their parents do, but that’s because they haven’t been exposed to all the inhibitions that come with adulthood. Admit it! Many of us have become far too serious. Smiles, chuckles and belly laughs have been replaced with flat expressions or forced grins as we meet on another. A wide, sincere smile says, “I’m happy to meet you.” Remember, first impressions last way out of proportion to the amount of time it takes to make them. The more smiles you offer; the more friends you’ll make.