LAUGH MORE, AGE LESS
WHY LAUGHTER IS GOOD FOR YOU
As we age, we’re told to wear sunscreen, eat more vegetables, take vitamins, and even walk more — all in hope that our internal clocks will slow down and we will age better. But something as simple as laughter could actually be one of the easiest ways to slow the ticking clock of aging. Scientists have long known that laughter can be therapeutic and help us live longer. It has been shown to reduce wear and tear on our bodies and improve our relationships. A Norwegian study found that those who prioritized humor were more likely to live past 70 than those who didn’t laugh often.
relief response from your brain by releasing dopamine. Just one chuckle may even improve your breathing and heart function! In fact, laughing can work wonders for the heart. One study showed that laughter therapy helped reduce the blood pressure and cholesterol levels of its participants. Their blood circulation improved, too. Studies have also found that regular laughter can help strengthen your immune system, and it has long-term benefits for those with respiratory conditions. In addition to your body, laughter is also good for your social life. (And we don’t mean that people will want to spend time with you if you have all the good jokes!) Throughout history, laughter has been an evolutionary sign of understanding.
When there are language barriers, laughing together can create camaraderie and a tighter bond between people of different cultures. The dopamine release that comes with laughter aids in stress relief and creates powerful memories that can improve your mood and strengthen friendships. Of course, laughter has its downfalls, too. Laughing at someone else’s expense is detrimental to their health and can harm your relationships. So, stick to light jokes and actively seek shows, cartoons, or people who make you laugh. You’ll feel good, and your body will be pretty happy, too.
At a biological level, laughter can reduce tension in your muscles and activate a powerful stress-
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
AND HOW TO PREVENT IT
We all know about the dangers of drunk driving. Intoxication can diminish vision, depth perception, decision-making skills, response time, and coordination. However, drunk driving’s physical effects bear a striking resemblance to a far more common and just as deadly form of driving: drowsy driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving was linked to 91,000 crashes, 51,000 injuries, and 795 deaths in 2017, although some experts predict drowsy driving actually leads to 6,000 deaths annually. It also accounts for around 21% of fatal crashes, according to the National Sleep Foundation, whereas drunk driving is around 30%.
Statistics aside, drowsy driving is dangerous for you, your passengers, other drivers, and bystanders. Like drunk driving, drowsy driving can impact vision, decision-making skills, coordination, and attention. While not everyone drinks or consumes inhibiting substances, everyone is susceptible to drowsy driving because everyone gets tired. Preventing this deadly form of driving is easy. Start by ensuring you get enough sleep at night and pay attention to risk factors. If you’re on a long road trip, drive for a living, or are under immense stress, you may be at risk of succumbing to sleep on the road. Look for signs by “red-flagging” certain habits. If you are missing exits, are yawning, are experiencing heavy eyelids, are swerving regularly, cannot remember the last few miles, or your head is dropping, you are likely getting sleepy and need rest. In these instances, don’t rely on your radio, coffee, or air conditioner to keep you awake. Instead, pull over where it is safe to do so and rest. If possible, call a friend or family member to pick you up or call a rideshare company. While it may be a hassle, driving while sleepy or forcing yourself to stay awake with caffeine or loud music will be a larger headache should an accident occur. And remember, sleep is a good thing! If you’re tired, your body needs rest and won’t relent until it happens. Drowsy driving affects us all. If you experienced injuries as a result of an accident involving a driver asleep at the wheel, call our team today to discuss your legal options. You can also learn more about our other legal offerings at DouglassRunger.com .
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