Laughter

Wipeout is a show that comes on ABC on Tuesdays 8/7 central.  It is nothing more than a glorified obstacle course that makes people fall.  My kids and husband find it hysterical.  They are all are convinced they could win the whole thing.  I'm pretty sure Xavier's world will come crashing down once school starts and he's not able to stay up to watch then entire thing.

When times are tough and something to laugh at seems hard to come by, I pull up this YouTube video my mom introduced to me.  It is completely juvenile, but doesn't fail to bring a smile to my face, or hers.  Farting dinosaur  It does help that a friend was called out and labeled as the pig in the video.    

Fun facts about laughing:

• Did you know laughing can burn calories?  A study has shown that laughing for 15 minutes burns 40 calories.  If you laugh for 15 minutes a day, you can lose 1-4 pounds a year. 
• The sound of laughter is contagious.  It is more contagious than yawning.  I bet you cannot be in a room full of laughing people, or better yet kiddos, without laughing yourself.
• Laughter relaxes the whole body.  A good laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter can boost the immune system.  It decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.  This can improve your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins.  Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

What's the point?  Just a reminder to find something to laugh about each day!