national day

WTF Fun Fact 13288 – The Healing Power of Laughter

March 19th is National Let’s Laugh Day in the United States, a day to celebrate the healing power of laughter. Laughter can reduce stress, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being.

Science on the healing power of laughter

Laughter has some quirky effects on the body. For example:

  • Laughing increases oxygen flow to the brain. This can improve mental clarity and creativity.
  • Laughter can help relieve pain. It does this by releasing endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
  • Laughter has been shown to improve cardiovascular health. It can increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in the body.
  • Laughing can help improve relationships and social bonding. That’s because it creates positive feelings and can be contagious.
  • In some cultures, laughter is considered a form of therapy. It’s used to treat a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Laughter can even help boost the immune system.
  • Laughing can increases the production of antibodies and activate immune cells.

A day to celebrate laughing

So, how can you celebrate National Let’s Laugh Day? Here are some ideas:

  • Watch a funny movie or TV show with friends or family.
  • Attend a comedy show or open mic night.
  • Practice laughing yoga or other laughter exercises.
  • Spend time with people who make you laugh.
  • Share funny stories or jokes with friends and coworkers.

Have you heard of “laughter yoga”?

Laughter yoga is a form of exercise that combines laughter with breathing techniques and gentle physical movements. It was developed in India in the mid-1990s by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician who wanted to promote the health benefits of laughter.

In laughter yoga, participants engage in a series of laughter exercises. These stimulate laughter and promote feelings of joy and relaxation. These exercises may involve things like clapping, chanting, and playful interactions with other participants.

The goal of laughter yoga is not to tell jokes or be funny, but rather to engage in intentional, prolonged laughter. Laughing for an extended period of time, even if it’s initially forced or fake, helps the body produce genuine laughter, which helps release tension and promote feelings of well-being.

Researchers have found that laughter yoga has a variety of health benefits, including reducing stress, boosting the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing mood. It’s also been used as a complementary therapy for a variety of health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Remember, laughter is a powerful tool for improving your physical and mental well-being. So, go ahead and let out a good belly laugh on National Let’s Laugh Day (and every day) to reap the benefits of this simple but effective form of therapy.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “National Let’s Laugh Day” — National Days Today

WTF Fun Fact 13262 – National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

March 1 is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day in the United States. This day is dedicated to celebrating the delicious and versatile spread that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

What is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day?

National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrating one of the most beloved spreads in the world. Peanut butter was first introduced in the US in the late 1800s. Since then, it has become a staple in many households and a favorite with chocolate on by the spoonful alike.

On this “holiday,” people around the country celebrate by enjoying their favorite peanut butter treats. Some people might make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, while others might bake peanut butter cookies or whip up a batch of peanut butter pancakes. Many restaurants and bakeries also offer special deals and discounts on peanut butter treats on this day.

The history of PB

Peanut butter dates back over 120 years. The first patent for peanut butter was granted in 1884 to a Canadian man named Marcellus Gilmore Edson. Edson developed a process for milling roasted peanuts until they became a paste. However, peanut butter did not become widely popular until the turn of the 20th century when several inventors, including Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, developed commercial machines for making peanut butter.

One of the key figures in the history of peanut butter was George Washington Carver. The American botanist and inventor was born into slavery in the mid-19th century. Many credit Carver with developing new uses for peanuts, including peanut butter, and promoting the crop as an alternative to cotton for farmers in the southern United States.

During World War II, peanut butter became an important food item for soldiers, as it was high in protein, easy to transport, and did not spoil easily. The popularity of peanut butter continued to grow throughout the 20th century. Today, it is one of the most popular spreads in the world.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Looking For a Reason to Party? There’s a (Peanut) Day for That!” — National Peanut Board