Finding Hope and Healing in a Fallen WorldSample

BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER

Who doesn’t enjoy a good laugh? I think we all do. Well, except maybe for Woody Allen, who once said, “I’m thankful for laughter … except when milk comes out of my nose.”

Other than that little dilemma, laughter is just as Proverbs says: “Good medicine.” It has a long list of physical benefits that improve our body and mind. A good, belly-busting laugh engages the whole body. Our heart rate goes up, our breathing patterns change, and the muscles in our arms and legs contract, all of which increase blood flow. Laughter also releases chemicals in our brain called endorphins that make us feel happier. So we don’t just laugh because we’re happy; we actually grow happier when we laugh. But maybe most importantly, laughter makes us smile. Think about it – even in the midst of tears, if you laugh, you’ll smile. These physical reactions all release tension from our bodies and help us to relax.

There are benefits beyond the physical as well. Much like crying, laughter between two people builds intimacy. In fact, research indicates that we don’t laugh when we’re alone nearly as often as when we’re with others. So it would seem that God has given us laughter not just for the sake of humor, but to strengthen our relationships with other people.

Yep, laughter really is the best medicine. So fill your home with it. God created it to do wonders for you physically and to enrich your relationships. But laugh, too, just because it feels good, and it’ll make your day better!