Hey everyone!! Today I want to introduce you to a new segment called, Hello Healthy Life!  I know this blog is all about eating healthy foods that nourish your body (and tasty treats that nourish your life)… but Matthew 6:25 reminds me that life is so much more than just FOOD and that’s why I want to make this blog about more than just ‘eating healthy.’  There are other ways, in addition to eating properly, to make life a little healthier… and more importantly, a whole lot happier!  Today lets talk about laughter!

We all know the feeling when something is just ‘too’ funny… when you laugh so hard, you actually give your abs a workout and you have to wipe the tears from your eyes!!  I just LOVE that feeling!  Laughing does burn some calories, but it does so much more for your health!  Did you know that laughter naturally relaxes the whole body, reduces stress and releases endorphins that make you feel amazing?  And those ‘happy tears’ you cry when something really cracks you up… they actually remove toxins from the body.  They also contain lysozyme, an antibacterial and antiviral agent that kills germs and fights off bacteria.  Yep, laughter is ‘nature’s little antidepressant’ that often comes with its own cleaning fluid!!

Laughter actually draws us near to others and helps us connect with them.  It helps us communicate and grow in our relationships and friendships!  It reduces stress and relaxes muscles.  Laughter has even been shown to help to prevent heart disease!  So, seriously… it’s time to start laughing!!

The reason laughter is so good for us is that it physiologically changes the way our bodies work.  It increases blood flow and has even been proven to lower blood sugar levels!!  Crazy, right?!  Wow, who would’ve thought something as FUN as laughing could have such a positive impact on our health?!

Now, we all know that “laughter is the BEST medicine” but will we consider it as important as our daily greens?  I sure do!  Whether you’re chuckling with your buddies (my closest friends know that when I find something REALLY funny, my laugh gets deep and raspy… like a man!) or just giggling at a sitcom (Hello Psych and Seinfeld) …laughter should be part of your everyday routine!  Laughter makes the heart cheerful!  According to Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

My advice?!  Live it up and laugh it up!  How about you?  What do YOU find funny?!