Today’s Wednesday’s Wondrous World is all about laughter. They say it’s the best medicine, and we wanted to share with you just how therapeutic (and contagious) it can be.

But first, check out this informative article from HelpGuide.org:

“Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use

Laughter is strong medicine for mind and body

‘Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health.’ ~ Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D.

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.

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.

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.

(For full article, click on the following the link: http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm)

Have you got your daily dose of laughter? If not, we thought we’d provide some good rainy day remedies:

This baby knows how to laugh!

Who knew laughter could be a form of yoga?

Laughing with Friends is the best!

Adorable surprised cat:

Have you ever met Maru the cat? He’s always good for a laugh: 

And for those of you who love bathroom humor, Jack Vale is laughter-drug must!: