Why Is Laughing Good for You?    [03-12-2010] How are you dealing with stress in your day to day life? Today, even young children often get stressed at school and at home. It is natural to feel stressed and a proper amount of stress can help you stay alert. However, too much stress is not good for your health. In order to fight against stress and stay healthy, try to laugh a lot. So, why is laughing good for you? Sometimes everyone feels sad or stressed. Then, how can you make yourself feel better? There is a very simple solution - laughing! Laughing can actually change your mood and improve your overall health! That’s right. Laughter is good for both your body and mind; just like the saying that goes “Laughter is the best medicine.” Healthy people laugh about 100-400 times a day. A hearty laugh gives your body energy. In fact, a single energetic laugh can burn 3.5 calories. If you laugh 100 times a day, it is like riding your bike for 15 minutes! A good laugh boosts your heart rate and strengthens the muscles in the face and stomach. Surprisingly, 15 minutes of laughter every day can also help you lose weight! Laughter also has healing powers. A healthy laugh can activate the release of endorphins and reduce pain. That is why it can improve your mood and cut down your stress. Laughter can even fight against harmful viruses and cancer cells! In fact, laughter therapy is widely used in many countries around the world to heal patients. Laughter also makes your relationships with others smoother. It helps people feel happier and more comfortable. If you smile and laugh a lot, you can get along well with other people. Laughter also helps you make many good friends. No one wants to hang out with someone who is always serious and never smiles! No matter how busy you are, make sure to take a few minutes to laugh every day!     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)