Some studies* show that laughing increases heartrate, increases your metabolism, and in turn increases your caloric burn. How many calories are you torching? Well… that depends on how many funny friends you have. Laughing for just 15 minutes a day can have an effect, and these 15 minutes can be added up over time. (Unless you’ve got the gas mask on or are living with Stephen Colbert, 15 minutes straight might be a stretch…) As a matter of fact, YOU my jolly friend could burn an extra 10 to 40 calories per day**!! Congratulations. You just earned yourself an extra Saltine.
Um… yeah. Don’t cancel your gym membership just yet.
Hate to be the kill joy, but I sort of feel like I’ve been hit by a train. I’ve been prayin to God it’s all a joke, but it looks like my little EBV monster got fired up. No, not my Extra Big VAGUS nerve (oh hush… I know where you were going to take that), but the Epstein-Barr Virus. More commonly known as: MONO.
You have never been so blessed to encounter the Kissing disease? CLICK HERE for more information. Brought to you by my one and only trusted online source for health information: the Mayo Clinic.
And….. that is all I have to say about that. (For the moment.) Moving on… Workout Wednesday? I guess my only workout for this Wednesday is exercising my face muscles, trying to laugh. These are helping out a little bit…. so I thought I’d share.
Reader Qs: Have you ever had mono? Any suggestions/ideas/advice on making it through? Training can take a break if it needs to…. I’m concerned about SCHOOL. I cannot sleep 16 hours and be learning cardiac physiology at the same time. Any words of wisdom are much appreciated!
-E
* Buchowski, MS. “Energy expenditure of genuine laughter.” International Journal of Obesity. 2007 Jan;31(1):131-7, Colmenares, Clinton. “No joke: Study finds laughing can burn calories.” Reporter. June 10, 2005
** Caloric burn based on a 150 lb (68 kilogram) individual.
First of all, I’m seriously impressed that you have such a super fancy citation in your blog entry. Mucho points. Secondly, I just hope that you feel better girl! I was sick a few weeks ago and I’m still playing catch up. I hope it’s not mono and that you’re life isn’t disrupted too much! Yoga maybe? I bet that would feel great.
Keep us posted!
I’m going to try that paint thing at the pool this weekend. I wonder if it’ll fly and if anyone will notice.
Jamie´s last [type] ..Sacrifice
Awww…I’m so sorry that you have mono! That just really sucks! I’ve never had mono before, but I know that resting is key. So, try to rest as much as possible! I hope you feel better soon!
Oh..and those pictures are hilarious!
Aimee (I Tri To Be Me)´s last [type] ..Favorite Things Giveaway-Part 2!
I had mono my freshman year of college, but I only had it REALLY bad for about a week. My professors were understanding (especially since I ended up in the school medical center and then the ER), but I know people can get it much worse. Rest when you can, and physical activity is supposed to be put aside because of the risk of rupturing your spleen! I had to skip out of marching band for a little over a week.
In other news, STOP KISSING EVERYONE. haha, just kidding! I actually traced it back to the ONE boy I had kissed (who was my boyfriend at the time)…he was “carrying” it but never got it. Boo to him!
I hope you feel better quick…and if it makes you feel better, you can always “give people mono” for their birthdays. I did that to my ex…he thought it was funny, his mom did not. Oops? http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/products/kissingdisease.html
Susan´s last [type] ..Choosing a Marathon Training Program
Yes I had mono the week before Senior Prom! Way to put a damper on lookin good in my $500 dress!! btw, I worked my tail off babysitting to afford that dress. It was beautiful. I just should have never tried it on
Annnnyway. REST. REST. REST. Do not risk trying to work out! I actually had a really good friend pass away 4-wheeling because he had mono and should have been in bed. True story and it’s very heartbreaking. You have the rest of your life to work out! Some smart little birdie told me that taking breaks is sometimes the best thing for you! 
I watched a lot of HGTV and slept a lot, but my recommendation is sleep two hours, study one. If you break up your studying, it won’t be quite as hard! Hang in there lady, it’ll be gone before you know it!
Aw, man! You just can’t catch a break! Laughing seems like as good a remedy as any, along with movies, writing postcards (because why not?) and finding the most comfortable horizontal position to do work in. I’ve never had mono, so I can’t imagine, but my sympathies go out to you.
sarah´s last [type] ..New York City Marathon 2010- From the Curb
Oh man! What a year for you! I never had mono, but I had roommates who did. They were able to keep up with school, but we’re talking walking zombies. The only thing you can do is rest rest rest as much as you can. I hope you feel better soon.
Chelsea´s last [type] ..Mother nature- Such a tease
Never had mono and don’t want it….but I hope you feel better soon!
Betsy´s last [type] ..Youre Getting Sleepy
Smile and laugh! I like it!
DRog´s last [type] ..The Versatile Blogger Double tagged
What really burns calories is making Colbert laugh – I know him and the guy can keep a straight face through anything!
My mono story: I was the only person hospitalized after one year’s Grandma’s Marathon (saying what year just makes me depressed) and there’s a nice photo of me at the finish with an IV. I got diagnosed at the hospital after the race; I thought I was just overtrained (2:52, btw).
Now, off to share the blondes demotivational poster with some friends (all blonde, most legitimately).
SteveQ´s last [type] ..Back in a few
Oh… about what to do about it! Though it’s hard to do anything at all, get a little exercise – the blood flow will help you concentrate for a while. Make sure you eat well and eat enough. Force yourself to sleep on a schedule (and include a nap or two – you’ll need it).
There’s been some treatment of chronic fatigue with magnesium and malic acid (the latter can be found at homebrew supply shops – and apples and artificially apple-flavored stuff).
SteveQ´s last [type] ..Back in a few
AWWW CRAP. That sucks – a lot!! I hope you get better really soon. (and not in the 8-12 weeks that they say it takes
Adam´s last [type] ..Rock and Roll San Antonio Race Preview
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