Read the text and complete it with ONE word in each blank:
BRINGING MORE HUMOR AND LAUGHTER INTO OUR LIVES
The sound of roaring _____________ is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. Humor and laughter can cause a domino effect of joy and amusement, as well as set off a number of positive physical effects. Humor and laughter strengthen our immune systems and help us recover ______________ illness, as well _____________ bring joy into our lives. The question is, how do we gain access to this priceless medicine?
Laughter activates the chemistry of the will to live and increases our capacity to fight disease. Laughing relaxes the body and reduces problems associated with high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, and ulcers. Some research suggests that laughter _____________ also reduce the risk of heart disease. Historically, research ____________ shown that distressing emotions (depression, anger, anxiety, and stress) are all related to heart disease. A study done at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a good ________________of humor and the ability to laugh _______________ stressful situations helps mitigate the damaging physical effects of distressing emotions
A good hearty laugh can help:
reduce stress
lower blood pressure
elevate mood
boost immune system
improve brain functioning
protect the heart
connect you to others
help instant relaxation
make you feel good
People who laugh heartily on a regular basis have _________________ standing blood pressure than the average person. When people have a good laugh, initially the blood pressure increases, but then it decreases to levels below normal. Breathing then becomes deeper __________ sends oxygen enriched blood and nutrients throughout the body.
Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases infection fighting antibodies. It increases our attentiveness, heart rate, and pulse.
Laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack, according to the study at the University of Maryland Medical Center (cited above). The study, which is the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent heart disease, found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease.
Laughter can be a great workout for your diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles. It massages abdominal organs, tones intestinal functioning, and strengthens the muscles that hold the abdominal organs in place. Not ______________ does laughter give your midsection a workout, it can benefit digestion and absorption functioning as __________. It _____________ estimated that hearty laughter can burn calories equivalent to several minutes on the rowing machine or the exercise bike.
Laughter stimulates both sides of the brain to enhance learning. It eases muscle tension and psychological stress, which keeps the brain alert and _______________people to retain more information
Humor is a powerful emotional medicine ______________ can lower stress, dissolve anger and unite families in troubled times. Mood is elevated by striving to find humor in difficult and frustrating situations. Laughing at ourselves and the situation helps reveal that small things are not the earth-shaking events they sometimes seem to be. Looking at a problem from a different perspective can make it seem less formidable and provide opportunities for greater objectivity and insight. Humor also helps us avoid loneliness by connecting with others who are attracted to genuine cheerfulness. And the good feeling that we get _______________ we laugh can remain with us as an internal experience even after the laughter subsides.
Monday, April 6, 2009
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