Laughter is The Best Medicine
No joke. Laughter is good for you.
There’s an old saying that “laughter is the best medicine,” but it is scientifically proven to be true! Laughter releases chemicals in the brain that can reduce stress levels and it can even improve overall mood and reduce pain. It triggers the nervous system to recognize being in a safe situation and is calming and relaxing. It increases circulation but decreases blood pressure. Numerous studies have been done that show how laughter helps in specific health conditions such as diabetes, COPD, arthritis, and cancer. The movie entitled Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams, is the true story about a doctor who found the benefits of incorporating laughter into health care. He went on to create The Gesundheit Institute, which focuses on bringing humor and laughter to those in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.
Besides laughter being healthy, it’s also helpful when it comes to learning. Chances are, when reflecting on something learned in school as a child, the memory involves the fun activity that took place while learning a new skill or new information. Isn’t it true that people are more likely to learn and retain information if they’re having fun while doing it? Role playing, game playing, and arts and crafts, are all fun activities used to teach kids new information, but they also work on adults in higher education or work conferences. Laughter and learning go hand-in-hand.
Maybe a new daily goal would be to laugh every single day at least once. A genuine laugh felt and enjoyed throughout the body. Maybe start the day by reading a joke. Morning talk shows often use humor to elicit an entertaining, humorous response. Although it isn’t nice to laugh at such things, watching videos of people falling and kersplatting often naturally trigger a laughter response. Find some favorite comedians on YouTube and watch a segment each day. Maybe searching through old humorous memories may trigger laughter again. Find what works for you and commit to it at least once a day.
And surround yourself with people who make you laugh such as friends, family, and co-workers. There’s nothing much better than having someone tell a story that makes everyone burst out laughing. And then someone adds a clever quip and the whole group laughs even harder. People keep adding to the humor and suddenly people are gasping for air, snorting, have tears rolling, and cheeks aching as the laughter ensues. Surround yourself with these kinds of people. It’s been proven that even laughter shared between two strangers not only reaps mental and physical benefits, but it also naturally causes an instant, safe bond between the two people. It quickly breaks down barriers, thus feeling freer to be oneself.
Laugh at yourself! We all do dumb things or make mistakes. Learn to laugh about it! Even better, tell others about the ridiculous thing you did and have them laugh along with you. Some people naturally have a quick wit and enjoy making others laugh, but often laugh right along with them. This counts, too! Of course, know the boundaries of friendly humor and do not laugh at the expense of others or be inappropriate. Using laughter to cover up one’s emotions is not recommended either. Some people use humor to deflect other emotions or uncomfortable discussions, and that mask only causes more trouble down the road.
There is a time for sorrow and for tears. But when the suffering temporarily needs to come to a close, it’s such a relief when someone breaks the sorrow by saying something funny. A favorite quote from the movie Steel Magnolias is, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” How true is that? To go from heartache and tears to sudden smiles and laughter is an incredible experience. Turn that frown upside down!
Therefore, don’t let a day go by without finding something to laugh about. It’s good for both your mental and physical health. Not to mention, it just feels good! Be proud of those laugh lines on your face! They show having lived a life of joy.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-laughing-good-for-you/
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/healing-benefits-humor-laughter.asp
