Nowadays, most of us would agree that laughter is good medicine. In fact, research indicates that humor and laughter triggers healthy physiological changes in our bodies— strengthens our immune system, boosts our energy, diminishes pain, and protects us from the damaging effects of stress. Laughter, this powerful force for improving our health, actually changes our body chemistry to promote well being and positive good feelings. So how can we proactively make this powerful tool a part of our life.
Dale Anderson, MD, a family physician for over 40 years, says learning some simple method acting techniques will help us put on a happy face and improve our lives drastically. He is a board-certified surgeon, and emergency physician, certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine, and currently practices as an urgent care doctor. As a keynote /seminar speaker, who teaches method acting techniques to more than 100 major audiences around the world annually, he shows people how to change their body chemistry and their lives by laughing, and experiencing the subsequent power of laughter.
What’s method acting and laughing have to do with being happy and healthy? Well, according to the doctor in one of his several books, Never Act Your Age, he says practicing laughing has everything to do with getting happy and staying that way. He prescribes method acting techniques to his patients and also teaches it to major audiences around the world, one of which I recently attended as part of a group of over 300, and was totally impressed with his presentation. It confirmed how much I enjoy laughing, how good it makes me feel, and how much I believe in its power.
By acting happy and laughing we turn on our internal chemistry that promotes well-being and good feelings. In fact, medical science can measure the chemistry of feelings qualitatively and quantitatively with a brain pet scan (Positron Emission Topography). Dr. Anderson calls Method Acting Techniques the holistic medicine of the 21st century.
Remember feelings are chemistry, and actions and thoughts change our chemistry. Yes, act happy–be happy, and the more one rehearses the part the more it becomes real. Dr. Dale Anderson, Never Act Your Age
Method acting was created in the early 1900s by Constantin Stanislavski, who taught the concepts to his actor students, and.earned recognition as being one of the most influential contributors to theater science, Some well-known method actors are Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, Marilyn Monroe, Suzanne Pleshette, and Shelly Winters, who through the techniques were able to create in themselves the thoughts and feelings of their characters, so as to develop lifelike performances.
I discovered that it’s easier to initiate laughter than I once thought it was, and also worth the effort. It’s contagious too, just try not reacting with laughter when someone near you lets loose with a loud guffaw. I’m convinced that a good belly laugh, that changes my body chemistry, does definitely bring more joy into my life.
Eat and Drink Healthy: If you’re looking for a tasty, nutritious snack to supplement your diet, one that helps fuel athletes through grueling long distance events, and also helps fight obesity and high blood pressure, try one of America’s oldest snack foods—nuts.
Almonds are considered one of the healthiest nuts containing the most calcium of any nut and a lot of vitamin E, in addition to heart-healthy fat.
Walnuts are high in omega-3 alpha-linoleic acid, which help curb inflammation and prevent coronary heart disease.
Macadamia nuts are highest in saturated fat, but only 80% is monounsaturated, which can lower triglycerides and have beneficial effects of LDL and HDL cholesterol. Also, contain fiber and protein.
Pistachios are loaded with protein and contain high amounts of carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin for maintaining good vision
Drink: Kombucha – A great tasting and energizing lightly sweetened, fermented tea that dates back to China’s Qin Dynasty, 250 BC, where it was called the Immortal health elixir. It’s low in calories and will do much more than quench your thirst. The fermentation process forms: Enzymes – to aid digestion
Probiotics – the good bacteria that helps with immune function, nutrient absorption, and inflammation reduction
Polyphenol – antioxidants found in plants
B-Vitamins – helps support and increase metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, and promotes cell growth.
Synergy is available at Whole Foods in several flavors including: Cranberry, Gingerberry, and Gingeraide