The Health Benefits Of Laughter

    Laughter Is Good Medicine 

It’s true: laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life.

Laughter Is Good For Your Health

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

Physical Health Benefits

• Boosts immunity

• Lowers stress hormones

• Decreases pain

• Relaxes your muscles

• Prevents heart disease

Mental Health Benefits

• Adds joy and zest to life

• Eases anxiety and tension

• Relieves stress

• Improves mood

• Strengthens resilience

Social Benefits

• Strengthens relationships

• Attracts others to us

• Enhances teamwork

• Helps defuse conflict

• Promotes group bonding

Laughter Helps You Stay Mentally Healthy

Laughter makes you feel good. And this positive feeling remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.

More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the fun.

The Link Between Laughter And Mental Health

Laughter stops distressing emotions. You can’t feel anxious, angry, or sad when you’re laughing.

Laughter helps you relax and recharge. It reduces stress and increases energy, enabling you to stay focused and accomplish more.

Laughter shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and diffuse conflict.

Laughter draws you closer to others, which can have a profound effect on all aspects of your mental and emotional health.

Laughter Brings People Together And Strengthens Relationships

There’s a good reason why TV sitcoms use laugh tracks: laughter is contagious. You’re many times more likely to laugh around other people than when you’re alone. And the more laughter you bring into your own life, the happier you and those around you will feel.

Sharing humor is half the fun—in fact, most laughter doesn’t come from hearing jokes, but rather simply from spending time with friends and family. And it’s this social aspect that plays such an important role in the health benefits of laughter. You can’t enjoy a laugh with other people unless you take the time to really engage with them. When you care about someone enough to switch off your phone and really connect face to face, you’re engaging in a process that rebalances the nervous system and puts the brakes on defensive stress responses like “fight or flight.” And if you share a laugh as well, you’ll both feel happier, more positive, and more relaxed—even if you’re unable to alter a stressful situation.

Courtesy: HelpGuide

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Managing Stress During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, there are days when you may cycle through every possible emotion. And one of the most common feelings that many expecting mothers tend to experience throughout their pregnancy is stress—stress about the baby, stress about the body, stress about preparing for the baby’s arrival, stress about life changes—you name it.

While it’s normal to experience these emotions, periods of prolonged or severe stress during your pregnancy isn’t good for you—OR your baby. In fact, high levels of constant stress can even make pregnancy symptoms worse (like trouble sleeping, body aches, etc.)—or contribute to larger issues like depression, problems with weight (gaining too much or not enough) or even high blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress is important for any mother-to-be. Here are some ways you can reduce stress during pregnancy. 

Focus On Your Breath

Deep breaths help us get extra oxygen into our body, which in turn helps our muscles, body and brain feel relaxed. But how often do we truly focus on our breathing? Meditation is a great thing to try (there are several apps available that can teach you how), or simply sit calmly and take long, belly-filling breaths in through your nose, then slowly out through your nose or mouth. 

Prioritize Rest

While some pregnant ladies fall asleep at the drop of a hat (especially during the first trimester), sleep doesn’t always come as easily as pregnancy progresses. Your body is going through a lot (you know, the whole growing a human thing), and not getting enough rest can elevate levels of stress. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night, and plan for a bedtime that helps you hit that goal. A calming bedtime ritual might help you quiet your mind before you go to sleep—some suggest a warm (not hot!) bath, a cup of herbal caffeine-free tea, calming music, and  little to no screen time. If you are struggling with getting enough sleep, speak to your healthcare provider about additional suggestions.

Move Your Body

Not only is incorporating some movement into your daily activities good for your body, it’s good for your mind, too. Exercise releases chemicals in the body called endorphins, which can improve your mood and even relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. And don’t let the idea of “working out” intimidate or limit you—just heading outside for a walk is a great way to get your heart rate up. The fresh air and movement can help ease your mind and boost those endorphins. 

Eat Right

Eating right is all about balance. Growing a human is a lot of work and pregnancy cravings are so real. So, ensuring you get a good mix of healthy food and plenty of water is one of the best forms of self care. Don't be afraid to give yourself a treat once in a while—but remember that fueling your body with healthy choices will ensure you and baby are getting the nutrients you need to feel good and strong physically and mentally. And don't forget to take your prenatal vitamins.

Let It Out

Sometimes, just sharing your feelings or worries with someone else can take some of the weight off your shoulders. Talk to other pregnant or new mamas—they will be able to relate, and might even offer advice about what worked to relieve stress during their own pregnancies. You can also try writing out your thoughts—keeping a journal, making a list of the things you are grateful for, or writing to-do lists if there’s simply too much on your itinerary. All these can help calm your mind and lower your stress levels.

If your stress feels unmanageable or you’re worried about your own or your baby’s health,  speak to your healthcare provider. Losing sleep, lack of appetite or unhealthy behaviors means it’s time to get some help managing your stress.

Source: Lancaster HealthHub

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How Diabetes Made Me Sell My Houses And Cars – Ailing Radio Presenter, Femi Adio

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistently high blood sugar (glucose) levels, caused by either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to effectively use the insulin it produces.

Diabetes manifests with a range of symptoms, often including increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision, with some individuals experiencing slow-healing sores and frequent infections. 

Alhaji Femi Adio’s Story  

Alhaji Femi Adio, popularly known as Femi Adio Wonder, who has been battling diabetes for the past three years, recently opened up to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, of the Punch Newspaper, about his struggles and the financial burden of his treatment

How long have you been a presenter?

It has been almost 25 years now since I started as a presenter and film marketer. But even before that, I had been doing this since I was a child. I’m an independent presenter, a freelancer.

I used to run programmes on Radio Lagos before Eko FM was created. When Eko FM came into existence, all the programmes were moved there. Over the years, I’ve also worked as a freelance presenter on several radio stations, including Paramount FM in Abeokuta.

Recently, you made a post about your health struggles. Can you tell us about it? When did you first notice something was wrong?

Honestly, I didn’t realize it at first. My body had been giving me signs, but I ignored them. I wish I had known earlier before it became this serious.

What is the health condition?

I have diabetes. I’ve spent an unimaginable amount of money trying to manage it. I’ve sold my houses, my cars, and everything I owned, except for the house I currently live in at Abule Oko, Ogun State.

One of my colleagues, also a presenter, was the one who encouraged me to speak out and ask for help. At first, I refused. I was too ashamed. I told him, “I used to be a giver; I don’t want to become a beggar.” But then, Seun Adeboye, the younger sister of the late Gbenga Adeboye, reached out to me. She pleaded with me to share my story, to let people know what I was going through. That was when I finally decided to open up.

How long have you been battling this illness?

It’s been three years now.

How has it affected your daily life?

It has been unbelievably difficult. I haven’t been able to work for the past three years. I cry a lot. I never imagined that I would ever find myself in this situation. It breaks my heart when people tell me, “You’re a good person; you don’t deserve to suffer like this.”

The pain is unbearable. I can’t walk properly. Every step feels like I’m walking on nails or broken bottles. And honestly, I don’t want to die.

Factors Affecting Diabetes

Diabetes management takes awareness. Know what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall — and how to control these day-to-day factors.

When you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your healthcare professional. But many things can make your blood sugar levels change, sometimes quickly. Find out some of the factors that can affect blood sugar. Then learn what you can do to manage them.

Food

Healthy eating is important for everyone. But when you have diabetes, you need to know how foods affect your blood sugar levels. It's not only the type of food you eat. It's also how much you eat and the types of food you combine in meals and snacks.

Exercise

Exercise is another important part of managing diabetes. When you move and get active, your muscles use blood sugar for energy. Regular physical activity also helps your body use insulin better.

These factors work together to lower your blood sugar level. The more strenuous your workout, the longer the effect lasts. But even light activities can improve your blood sugar level. Light activities include housework, gardening and walking.

Illness

With diabetes, it's important to be prepared for times of illness. When you're sick, your body makes stress-related hormones that help fight the illness. But those hormones also can raise your blood sugar. Changes in your appetite and usual activity also may affect your blood sugar level.

Alcohol

It's risky for some people with diabetes to drink alcohol. Alcohol can lead to low blood sugar shortly after you drink it and for hours afterward. The liver usually releases stored sugar to offset falling blood sugar levels. But if your liver is processing alcohol, it may not give your blood sugar the needed boost.

Periods And menopause

Periods and menopause both have important effects for people with diabetes.

Changes in hormone levels the week before and during periods can lead to swings in blood sugar levels.

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