Laughter Is The Best Medicine
The phrase “Laughter is the best medicine” is a widely used old Proverb. Did you know that this phrase actually originated back in biblical times and has been quoted for hundreds of years? That’s because it is so very true! The joy and healing that come from laughter are an incredibly amazing phenomena that affect your body, mind, spirit and so many other areas of your life!
Our Body On Laughter
Did you know that when you laugh, endorphins are released throughout your body? Studies show that when these endorphins are released, they actually stimulate our muscles, tissues, nerves, and organs. The craziness is that this process brings relief to pain in your body and even increases the proper function of your immune system. Laughter can even help protect your heart by increasing blood flow and improving the function of blood vessels. We need laughter to keep us healthy!
Our Mind On Laughter
Embracing laughter in your everyday routine can lead to a more positive outlook on life as well. When your brain processes verbal jokes, areas that are essential to learning and understanding are activated. This actually gives your brain a physical workout—without the sweat! Studies have even revealed that laughter can reduce anxiety, stress, and even depression. Boosting our mood is so easily done with a dose of laughter.
Our Spirit On Laughter
There is a definite spiritual component to laughter and is mentioned many times throughout the bible. Here are a few instances:
King David writes,
He who sits in the heavens shall laugh. ~Psalm 2:4
In the Proverbs it is written,
Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come. ~Prov. 31:25
In the Book of Genesis, it is written
God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me. ~Genesis 21:6
Laughter must be pretty important if God himself thought it was!
Our Relationships On Laughter
When you think about it, laughter is an early signal in babies to form social bonds. Before you could speak, laughter told your mom and dad that "Everything’s okay, I am happy!"
There is a special bond that is created between two people that share a funny experience with each other. It's something that only they can relate to. It’s an "inside" joke that is special to those who’ve shared in the moment creating a bond between them. Creating opportunities to laugh with your friends and family can build a stronger, more ever-lasting relationship.
Laughter is contagious!
Laughter not only helps you personally, it’s also contagious and infectious, which helps those around you feel less stressed and anxious. Spreading endorphin released through groups promotes wonderful feelings of togetherness. Try to find a few positive friends and family who are loving life and who are choosing to remain positive and hopeful through all the things. This really makes such a difference in getting our joy bucket full!
Try a few of these one-liners on them from comedian, Steven Wright:
I went to a place to eat; it said 'breakfast at any time,' so I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.
I broke a mirror in my house and I’m supposed to get seven years of bad luck, but my lawyer thinks he can get me five.
I spilled spot remover on my dog… now he's gone.
Choose Laughter!
Life can bring us truly difficult circumstances and trials. It is up to us to create an atmosphere that promotes joy amidst the struggles. Why not choose the best medicine—laughter—to put things in a better perspective?
The benefits you experience inside and out will be well worth it.
Question: What can you do today or tomorrow to instill more laughter in your life?