Okay, so maybe in the overall scheme of things, laughter may not be the BEST medicine, but it surely will make life better and happier. Not only that, but you and I are much more fun to be around if we’re laughing and jovial.
How much time do you spend laughing it up? I know, if you’re having crisis moments or lots of difficulty, laughter seems a million miles away from your current stress situation. You’re probably thinking to yourself – oh, if I could only bring back the laughter.
Well, there’s a man named Norman Cousins who did some extensive research on the physical benefits of laughter and happiness. He even established a “Humor Research Task Force” to do some worldwide clinical research on humor. Do you know what his conclusion was?
Laughter, Happiness and Joy are the Perfect Medicine for Stress
In fact, here are some of the benefits that he concluded come from laughter:
- Stress reduction
- Mood elevation
- Lower blood pressure
- An Immune System boost
- Better Thinking & Memory
- Healthier Heart
- Better Sleep & Relaxation
- General Feeling of Satisfaction
Interesting, huh? Now, you’re probably thinking, “I’d like to laugh more, but with my situation, I can’t!”
Well,I say, now is your chance to be proactive in the midst of difficulty, crisis and stress. Do something and start laughing it up. Several weeks ago, I wrote in a blog about how exercise releases endorphins, which are nature’s pain killers in the body. Did you know that laughter also releases these powerful endorphins? In essence, endorphins, when released in the brain, affect the body a lot like morphine does. Endorphins create a feeling of well-being throughout the whole body and help relieve pain. Hence the benefits that I listed above.
My SUPERCHARGED suggestion for you today is NO MATTER WHAT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE – Practice making laughter a real part of your life. Watch a funny movie. Spend some time with an upbeat, positive – happy go lucky friend. Allow some of that infectious joy and laughter to rub off on you. Fight to find a way to make your stomach hurt with a good belly laugh.
The Bible says in Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
Today, determine within your heart that you’re going to do whatever you can to laugh more, at every opportunity. Do this and watch the sun shine light into the midst of your crisis and stress.
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Hey Rick! Very nice site, I love the functionality and implementation of a podcast for every blog post that is very useful for all types of learners! I used to live in Raleigh NC, what a nice place to be! I noticed that you sponsor the Linden method for anxiety and panic attack management, i too have used that method and it was a 100% success for me! Well take care. PS: we should do a link exchange!
Hey Taylor, thanks for the comment and the compliment. Sorry, it took me a while to respond. I’m supposed to be getting emails when someone comments, but didn’t get yours. Anyway, yeah, Linden method worked great for me, and glad to hear that it did the same for you. I’ve used it with some of my clients and have had great success in helping them overcome anxiety.