Noc-turtle!

What’s a joke doing in a pain blog?  Well, laughing can help you feel better.  No, pain isn’t funny, but ‘funny’ can help your pain.

Laughing makes you feel good.  And there are other ways it’s good for you.  Laughing:

• reduces pain by releasing endorphins, your natural pain killers
• improves your immune system
• perks you up by getting your blood moving, in both your brain and body
• reduces stress hormones

In terms of pain, besides those endorphins, laughing reduces anxiety and stress, and distracts you from your discomfort.  It can improve your outlook, helping you to feel more positive.  It helps your problems seem a little lighter.

Make a plan to include humor everyday.

• watch TV that you find funny
• read a funny book
• go to humor websites
• get a “joke a day” delivered to your inbox
• post favorite ones on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror

What’s YOUR favorite joke?