I have always seemed to feel so much better with a good strong laugh. There is also something about hearing others laugh, too, that make me want to laugh, as well. It always seems to brighten my mood.
So, why is it that laughter makes you feel better?
According to helpguide.org, this article states that, “A good hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.”. They also state that, “Laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.”
Whew, that’s an amazing thing and all because we started to laugh more!
Also, don’t you think it would be helpful to learn to laugh more now since we have a global pandemic going on? I’m serious! I know that it is hard to laugh at times and especially right now when there are so many things that can weigh us down, but we still need to find the time to let things go and laugh! So, take some time to look for funny sayings on billboards or social websites, watch funny videos, read the comic strips in the paper or read a funny book. I have found that I really like to watch funny videos with children and animals. They are funny simply because they aren’t even trying to be!
Remember that you can’t change the world, but you CAN change how you react to it. So, find ways that you can laugh a little. It certainly can’t hurt and it may just help boost your mood! (Related post: God Calls Us to Scatter Joy Like Seeds to Others)
So, what did I learn from this? That paragraph immediately before this one says it all to me. If I want to find joy in this world, I can’t rely on others to make me happy, but I sure can laugh at their efforts!
I’ve also learned that when I remember not to take myself so seriously, then I have found all sorts of funny things to laugh about! I did say that I am not the most graceful person (so that is comical, right there!) and I work with a wonderfully, unique population of people. It sure is amazing what they can come up with!!
What can you gain from this? It’s not to say that you will never be sad, angry, afraid or express any other emotion. However, if you try to change your focus or mindset and start to look at the world with more of a “half-full” rather than a “half-empty” mentality, then you can’t help but start to find things that happen that may give you a good laugh. After all, the article in helpguide.org did say that you could boost your immunity with laughter.
Hello……… I’ll take one (or let’s try several) of those please!!!!!
A Joyful Mission 