Gelotology is the science of mirthful laughter and its effects on the body from a psychological and physiological perspective. This discipline was first studied by psychiatrists, although some doctors in antiquity recommended laughter as a form of medical treatment. (Source)
Studies have shown that laughter can:
- relax the entire body,
- boost the immune system,
- reduce physical pain and stress levels,
- help the brain regulate levels of dopamine as well as stress hormones: cortisol and epinephrine. (Source)
- increase blood flow throughout the body and improve functions of blood vessels which is good for the heart (Source)
Other great G_ology words:
Ghostology: The scientific study of ghostly phenomena.
Graphopathology: A branch in psychology that studies handwriting as a symptom of mental or emotional disorder. It can also be described as the interpretation of personality disorders from a study of handwriting. (Source)
And this is exactly why I never write by hand. Seriously, my handwriting is so bad, I scare myself. It's typing only for this crazy loon, or Morse code:
-.. . ... -.-. .-. .. -... . / - .... . / ... --- ..- -. -.. / --- ..-. / .- / ..- -. .. -.-. --- .-. -. / ..-. .- .-. -
Also, smoke signals.
Hand over the matches.
I gotta do the grocery list.
Trust me.
