The Benefits of Being Positive
I would like to spend this blog discussing a very serious matter- so serious that it can make you sick, reduce years from your life and possibly put you into an early grave.
What could be that serious?
People, mostly adults, as they get older play less and less, and laugh even lesser and lesser! Seriousness and a loss of the spirit of play are almost like a bullet to the brain. I wrote about the spirit of play in one of my first blogs. Check it out!
But Dr. Dave, how do we do this? See? Already getting serious and wigging out, aren’t you?
Just start laughing and think positively. Try it right now, just start to smile and laugh and look at all the awesome things in your life.
I can give you all the research and science behind this- in fact, it’s called Gelotology from the Greek Gelos meaning laughter. But suffice it to say laughter reduces stress, increases endurance hormones like endorphins, reduces stress hormones like cortisol, reduces muscle tension, increases memory and cognitive functions boosts immune function, improves cardiovascular functions, and just plain makes you happier.
Think about it, who would you rather be around- some angry cuss who is always spun up in some kind of nonsense or someone who is able to laugh and play games? They are finding that the more you look at things and are able to laugh the less serious they are, you look at life differently, you look at your stress and problems differently. Pretty amazing stuff!
I will certainly be writing more about this, but I encourage you to investigate laughter on the internet. Just type in laughter therapy, or don’t give a darn about any of it, and just start laughing! One of the best ways to do that is to wake up, think about all the good there is in life, think positively, and laugh as much as possible!
Good luck to you and let me know how it goes. Drop me a line in the comments or just start laughing, trust me we could all use more of it!
Thanks Dr. Dave. I agree totally. Laughter is so important.
Interesting enough, there is a type of yoga called Laughter Yoga. Essentially, it entails laying on the ground and start a deep belly laugh. Laughing so hard so that your naval pumps deep and fast. Fake it until you make it. After a few minutes you will be laughing so hard, especially when you do this with a group.
It is a great workout for the core and stimulates the circulatory and respiratory systems. Plus, you feel so elated.
That’s amazing! I was laughing while I read your comment. Laughing is very contagious. I’m going to have to try Laughter Yoga. It should be an incredible exercise, and so easy to do. Thanks for letting me know about it!
Dr. Dave
Whoever I had an argument with about going to chiropractors ….
I stand corrected!
Thanks for letting me know!
Dr. Dave
You are amazing Dr Dave , I totally agree with you, when humans get older they stop having fun specially laughing , thanks for reminding me to keep having fun no matter what is going on out there! That’s why your clinic is a happy place, you all certainly know , what it means to laugh and make others do the same! Have a laughing day! GV
Hi Gisela,
Thank you for the kind words. I will have a laughing day!!! Thank you.
Dr. Dave
I was feeling very serious because of a plumbing problem which I was given an outrageous estimate to fix. (My clothes washing machine was
not draining properly.) Then, when I read your article, I took a few minutes to follow your suggestions. I quickly came up out of the seriousness & realized how great I could feel! After that I was able to quickly locate an old folder with the number of a great plumber I used 5 years ago! And he’s coming this morning. It really is a good idea to apply this all of the time & just live better! Thx. mm
I love stories like this! And I’m so glad you were able to find the old plumber. Things really do just work out magically if you let them. Laughing and no seriousness seems to do the trick!
Dr. Dave
Thanks for all your wonderful blogs, especially this one. We do forget what a laughing matter life is–the universe is laughing at us for being so serious about small things.
If you find the laughing yoga, let us all know!
You are very welcome, Barbara! And you know, I’ve never heard it put that way before, but wow-the universe really is laughing at us for being so serious about the small things! That’s an incredible way to look at it.
I will let you know about laughter yoga. In fact, the lady who posted that comment is a yoga instructor. I should really see if she would be up to instruct Laughter Yoga. That would be a blast!
Thanks again,
Dr. Dave