7 Websites Guaranteed to Make You Laugh

Overwhelmed at work, you're multi-tasking to meet a hundred afternoon deadlines. Every time you start a project you're interrupted by the boss, the phone, a co worker or an email alert. You feel like you're in a glass case of emotion. Defeated, you throw your hands up in the air and exclaim, " I need a break!" What if you allowed yourself a few moments to shift your attention and then refocus? Humor allows us to put a little distance between ourselves and the situation at hand. Changing our perspective creates much needed stress relief whether it comes from looking at a hilarious photo of "Tard" the pessimistic cranky cat often featured on Imgur.com or recalling the recent wisdom your boyfriend shared with your little nephew. " Vests are all about protection. A life vest protects you from drowning and a bulletproof vest protects you from getting shot. And a sweater vest protects you from pretty girls." (Actually, he borrowed that from comedian, Demetri Martin.) Take a five minute humor break and check out some giggle inducing websites that will leave you smiling. Now relax, stay classy and then GET BACK TO WORK!

Did you know that laughter releases endorphins? Endorphins are the same chemicals released in the body during physical exercise. The same natural 'high" you feel after a good kick boxing work out or sexy salsa dance is also triggered when we enjoy a rousing belly laugh. Laughter relaxes your entire body, relieving physical tension. A good hearty laugh can leave your muscles relaxed for up to forty minutes after. Feeling under the weather? Laughter boosts your immune system. The endorphins released can promote an overall sense of calm, well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Is your job, spouse, teenager or girlfriend a real pain in the tush? Sorry, two aspirin won't cure every thing. With the right formula laughter may be the best medicine ever. Bet your professor didn't teach you that in Chemistry 101!

In addition to the physical benefits of laughter there are many emotional benefits. When we can see the humor in an unfortunate circumstance we begin to unveil the irony and absurdity of life. We share our humanity. Life is comedy and tragedy. Parody and satire help us understand and deal with difficult people and situations. Two comedy rich television or online entertainment gems that perfectly blend current events and satirical humor are Comedy Central's, "The Colbert Report" and "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." Need even more potent parody and delicious guffaws? Try Americas self-proclaimed finest news source "The Onion". The Onion uses brilliant sardonic humor and satire to aid in the digestion of those gristly chunks of political and social issues often impossible to swallow. This Onion only produces tears of laughter. Yum.

Did you know that laughter is our right of birth? We are born to laugh. Laughter is innate. Research shows infants begin smiling during the first weeks of life and laugh out loud within months of being born. Even if you didn't grow up surrounded by a house full of clowns or comedians, you can learn to laugh at any stage of life. Human beings relish the sound of laughter. It calls to us. We love to watch and listen to adults and especially children chuckle and chortle. Even if only temporary, laughter indicates happiness. Who doesn't want to be happy? There are so many ways to add a daily dash of laughter besides websites and television. What's your prescription? Have you ever attended a live comedy show? Do you have a lovable, crazy pet? Do you sing silly songs with your kids? Have you heard of laughter yoga? Do you like to tell jokes to your friends or have a game night? Some of the most hilarious moments of my life have been while playing board games and Bingo! with my friends and family. Yes, we have Xbox and Wii but it feels more creative to use your imagination during language games like Apples to Apples or Scattagories. What do you think is funny? Search for and discover your unique sense of humor. Laugh every day! Laughter, sixty percent of the time it works every time.