As Henri de Mondeville, a professor of surgery, first said in the 14th century, “Laughter is the best medicine”. And it’s true! Laughter brings people together which triggers an emotional and physical response. Laughter is also said to boost your immune system, improve your mood, reduce pain, and protect you from the effects of stress. We’ve all experienced a good belly laugh that has brightened our day and lightened our load. There’s a reason why they call it “comic relief”.
For me, the Top 5 Reasons for Why Laughter is the Best Medicine are:
- Physiologically, endorphins are released that improve our mood.
Endorphins are the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals. They promote the overall sense of well-being and can temporarily remove pain. Endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Exercise has a similar effect, but nothing compares to laughter and it can give you that quick and easy pick me up that you need.
- Laughter is contagious.
This statement falls in line with my go-to saying of “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” It’s all small stuff, right? If we can be an advocate and an example in life of lightening things up and laughing more easily and more often, it just makes life better. Nothing bad ever comes from a good old, positive laugh.
- People want to be around you.
If you are a person that laughs easily and laughs often, people will naturally gravitate towards you. For our health and well-being, community is one of the most important things. It is the glue that keeps us together, that holds us up, and that gets us through trying times. We need each other and we need to laugh together.
- Find something comedic.
This is something that I’ve tried myself. It takes practice but is so worth it. This will help you to laugh more often and more hardly. Find something that really makes you laugh. Whether it be a video on YouTube, a favorite episode, or a cherished family video. Engage with whatever makes you laugh.
- Set a laughter challenge.
Find something that you think is funny and engage with it for a week. Set an alert on your phone for three times a day. When it goes off, laugh for no reason at all. It is almost like practicing your laughter. It may seem regimented at first, but it will allow you to laugh more easily and more often which is ultimate goal.
Finally, be happy for no reason at all. It may seem silly or undoable, but it’s possible.
If you find yourself in a difficult mood, just smile.
Take a few moments to sit with yourself and just smile. The physical act of doing this will shift your mindset and leave you open to more positive thoughts and feelings.
And if a smile can do this, imagine what laughter can do.
Look yourself in the mirror and smile back. Think of a funny moment or experience and enjoy it. Dare yourself to laugh (or not to!) Do nothing else except enjoy the moment, enjoy a good laugh to brighten your day and lift your spirits as well as those around you.
